HC Deb 23 March 1904 vol 132 c500
MR. J. P. FARRELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the drainage boards of county Longford at present in existence consist largely of men nominated by the land agents of the county, and whether he will direct the attention of the Board of Works to the necessity of having proper notice given of the next election, so that all riparian owners would be able to take part in the election.

MR. WYNDHAM

The electors of a drainage district are the proprietors of lands within the district. All proprietors have the right to vote at elections of members of the drainage board. The regulations to be observed in respect of such elections are prescribed by the Act of 1863. One of these regulations provides that a meeting of the electors shall be convened after due notice published in the local Press, fourteen days before the date fixed for the election. The Board of Works has no authority to intervene as suggested.

MR. J. P. FARRELL

Cannot the Board of Works see that proper notice is given by the local authorities?

MR. WYNDHAM

I have no reason to believe that the statutory notice is not given.