§ MR. COGAN (Wicklow, E.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the names of streets in several cities and towns in Ireland are indicated in the Gaelic language; whether such name plates were erected by the local authorities out of the funds at their disposal, and the payments duly passed by the auditors; whether, seeing that the auditor has recently surcharged three members of the Wicklow Urban Council in the sum of £3 3s. for signing payments for a similar purpose, he will explain why such a surcharge was made; and whether, seeing that in Wicklow town and county the Irish language is very generally spoken and used, he will order the surcharge to be withdrawn.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) If the Wicklow County Council think the surcharge illegal, they can proceed in a Court of law. If they desire to appeal on equitable grounds, they can appeal to the Local Government Board, when the 740 matter will come before me as President of that Board. It would, therefore, be-improper for me to express any opinion; as to the propriety or legality of the-, auditor's action.