HC Deb 30 June 1904 vol 137 cc171-2
MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will explain why the rules regulating the management of parish committees in Kerry have not been published; whether, under those rules, a district councillor who is a shopkeeper, or resides in a shopkeeper's house, or is a relative of a shopkeeper, is not allowed to act on the committee, and, if so, for what reason; whether he will explain the meaning of the word "shopkeeper" and state what classes of men it includes; whether landlords and their agents to whom the small landowners, for whom the scheme is meant, owe arrears of rent are allowed to be members of the committee; and, if so, will he state what is the cause of this difference of treatment.

MR. FLAVIN

At the same time may I ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the scheme for parish committees in Kerry is being blocked by the rule debarring district councillors who are shopkeepers from serving on the committees; and whether, in the interest of this scheme, he will at once withdraw this rule.

MR. WYNDHAM

The rules have been freely supplied to persons locally interested, to members of the committees and to all other persons who have made application for them to the office of the Congested Districts Board. The rule prohibiting a shopkeeper, or a member of his household, from membership of a committee was adopted in the interests of the impartial administration of grants by the committee, the Board being of opinion that persons interested in the sale of materials or goods should not be eligible for membership of a body entrusted with the duty of dealing with applications for grants to enable them to purchase materials or goods. Resident landlords and agents are eligible for membership. They have no direct interest in the sale of materials. The rule in question has hitherto worked satisfactorily and it is not proposed to withdraw it.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

asked if it were the fact that the rules were not followed and if, under the circumstances, the right hon. Gentleman would not withdraw them.

MR. WYNDHAM

replied suggesting that that was unreasonable as the rules were in operation in other parts of Ireland.