HC Deb 11 December 1906 vol 167 cc140-1
MR. HALPIN (Clare, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Board of Public Works has taken any steps to collect the drainage charge upon the farm now held at Doonaha East by Thomas Liddane; whether he is aware that this Thomas Liddane borrowed £130 from the Board of Works for the drainage of his farm at Rehy, and how much of this loan has been paid; why has the Board of Works, with its experience of Thomas Liddane at Rehy, neglected to demand payment of the loan on the Doonaha farm; and whether the Board will immediately press for the loan.

THE SECRETARY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Runciman, Dewsbury; for Mr. McKenna)

I am informed that the hon. Member is mistaken in supposing both these farms to be held by the same individual. The tenant in possession of the farm at Doonaha East is not Thomas but James Liddane, and the loan for drainage on that farm was not made to him, but to one Connor Haugh, who was not James Liddane's predecessor in title. I learn that Thomas Liddane borrowed £120 from the Board upon the security of his interest in the farm at Rehy, and of this sum £20 0s. 7d. has been repaid. I am able to give no further information to the hon. Member beyond assuring him that the Board of Works are acting strictly in accordance with legal advice.

Forward to