§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the Downpatrick Rural District Council, against Belfast dealers displaying goods for sale on fair days in that town on the pretence that it was done to avoid the spread of spotted fever; and whether, in view of the fact that the Downpatrick Council gave no evidence to support their contention, and the fact that dealers from Belfast have been injured in their business, he will call upon the council to justify their resolution or withdraw it.
§ (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Downpatrick Town Commissioners passed a resolution requesting the Downpatrick Rural District Council to take steps to prevent old clothes from being brought for sale into the town. The district council thereupon inquired from the Local Government Board whether they had power to comply with the request, and were informed in reply that the Board were not aware of any enactment giving such power except in the case of infected articles. I have no authority to do what the hon. Member suggests.