§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state the amount of the verdict and costs obtained by a contractor named Diver against the Donegal Board of Guardians in March 1902; and, in view of the fact that the guardians were advised that there was no defence, will he explain why the Local Government Board auditor insisted on the guardians proceeding with litigation; and whether, in view of the document issued by the clerk of the union for signature for the purpose of trying to raise a loan to meet these costs, will he state what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The contractor obtained a verdict for £43 6s. in respect of extra work unauthorised by the guardians, but certified by the architect. I have no information as regards the costs. I am not aware that the guardians were advised there was no defence. The auditor denies that he insisted on the guardians proceeding with litigation. The Local Government Board have sanctioned a supplemental loan of £400 for the purpose, amongst other things, of paying law costs.