§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Leitrim County Council have appointed to the position of rate collector for the divisions of Ballinamore, Nos. 1 and 2, Mr. P. Curran, who tendered at the commission of sixpence in the pound, although they had before them a local candidate, of approved character and competency, who was willing to undertake the work at a commission of twopence in the pound; and whether he will direct inquiry to be made into the conditions under which the Leitrim County Council make appointments for which they are responsible.
MR. BRYCEThe Leitrim County Council have appointed as poor rate collector for the Ballinamore No. 1 division Mr. Patrick Curran at a poundage of sixpence, the rate at which he tendered. The Local Government Board understand that other candidates tendered for this appointment, two of them at twopence in the pound. The Board doubt the expediency of the course adopted on this occasion by the county council of inviting tenders for the collection of the poor rate. The Board are of opinion that the council should be guided in their selection for this important, office by the character and competency of the applicant and not by the rate of payment at which he is prepared to undertake the work. The necessary particulars have not yet been received to enable the Local Government Board to decide as to the fitness of Mr. Curran for the office. Since August last, however, he has given satisfaction as a temporary poor rate collector in the same and at the same poundage fee.