MR. JAMES O"CONNORI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a number of local councils in Ireland have protested against the Public Bodies Order, 1904, on the ground that it would considerably increase local expenditure, and impose extra work on the officials; whether the local councils were consulted by the Local Government Board before they issued the Order; and, whether, in view of the opposition of the county and district councils, he will instruct the Local Government Board to withdraw the Order.
§ MR. WYNDHAMRepresentations to this effect have been made. The councils concerned were invited to indicate in what respects the Order would increase expenditure, and impose unnecessary work on officials, but, so far, they have not complied with that request. Many members and officials of local authorities have, on the other hand, informed the Board that the new Order is an improvement on the old one. County councils generally were consulted before the issue of the Order. The Local Government Act of 1902 imposed upon the Board the duty of effecting a codification of former Orders, and the Board is satisfied that the recent Order is essential to a proper system of financial administration by local authorities.
MR. JAMES O"CONNORWill the right hon. Gentleman suspend the Order, until the Royal Commission on the Amalgamation of Irish Unions has reported?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI do not think I can take that course.