§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the holding of Thomas O'Donnell, Annascaul, Dingle, was valued at £5 beyond its true value through the mistake of the valuer; that he never knew of the increased valuation1 till he was asked to pay rates on it, when he refused and appealed to the county council; that there was no division or applotment in 1904, but a revision correcting the mistake of the valuer; whether, seeing that Mr. O'Donnell appealed on the first occasion this matter was brought to his notice, steps will be taken to have the amount which he was compelled unjustly to pay refunded to him.
§ MR. WYNDHAMI explained the facts of this case in my reply to the hon. Member's previous Question of Monday last.† Public notice, in accordance with the statutory requirement, was given by the local authorities that the valuation lists were open for inspection. It is well known that such lists are open for inspection every year in March. Mr. O'Donnell failed to avail himself of his right of appeal, and there is no power now to re-open the case. It does not rest with the Government to order a refund in respect of rates; that is a matter for the local rating authority.
‡ See page 452.
§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLAs this mistake was due to the neglect of an official, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the money is refunded?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI can add nothing to my Answer.