HC Deb 29 March 1909 vol 3 cc26-7
Captain DONELAN (on behalf of Mr. Augustine Roche)

asked whether the Rating of Government Property Department of the Treasury had deducted from the Government bounty, in lieu of rates payable to the Corporation of Cork, the sum of £90 in respect of the non-removal of refuse from the Cork military barracks by the corporation staff; whether the corporation had repeatedly offered to the military authorities and to the Rating of Government Property Department facilities for the removal of such refuse similar to those provided for ordinary ratepayers in the city of Cork; and, if so, whether, under these circumstances, the deduction would be persisted in?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

A deduction has been made as stated. The Corporation were asked if they would undertake for extra payment a daily removal of refuse from the Cork Military Barracks, to which they replied that they could only remove it on two days a week. As a daily removal from these barracks is absolutely necessary, the military authorities were compelled to seek other means for carrying out this service, since it would obviously be impracticable to allow the local authority to remove the refuse on two days a week only and to make arrangements independly for the remaining days. In such circumstances it is the established practice, to which no exception could be authorised, to make a proportionate deduction from the Government contribution in lieu of rates on the principle that the public should not be called upon to pay twice over for the same service.

Captain DONELAN

Is it not a fact that the Government bounty in lieu of rates is established on the ordinary scale for similar service to that rendered to the ordinary ratepayers, and that that service has not been offered in this case?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

No, only partial services have been offered.

Captain DONELAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these have been offered by the local authority in this case?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I am perfectly aware of that, but that is not sufficient.

Captain DONELAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Cork Corporation possesses no legal power to give extra services without payment?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

It is impossible for me to say whether the services offered were additional to those rendered in the ordinary way.

Captain DONELAN

Would the Treasury consider the desirability of suggesting that this deduction should not be made? If excess services are required, they should be paid for.

Mr. HOBHOUSE

My answer to that is that it is impossible.