§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Listowel Board of Guardians have asked the Local Government Board to grant a sworn inquiry into irregularities alleged by them to have occurred in connection with the recent audit of their accounts by Mr. Ellis; and, if so, will he explain why Mr. Ellis has been allowed by the Local Government Board to re-examine the books of the Board of Guardians and of the Listowel Rural District Council, as to which he had previously given a certificate of audit, pending the decision of the Local Government Board as to whether the sworn inquiry asked for will be held; and will he state whether the Board of Guardians made any protest against this permission being accorded; and whether a sworn inquiry will be ordered.
§ MR. ATKINSONThe inquiry mentioned has been asked for. The matter is not one for a sworn inquiry, but rather for a careful examination of the books and accounts of the union, together with an investigation into the irregularities alleged to have been committed by the auditor, both of which will forthwith be made. Until the officer is found to have acted irregularly the Local Government Board cannot interfere with him in the performance of his duties.
§ MR. FLAVINHow came it that this auditor was sent down to re-examine the accounts while certain charges were pending against him?
§ [No answer was returned.]