§ Mr. FFRENCHasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the Wexford 559 County Council asking for discretionary power for county councils to alter the periods for closing the rate collection; and whether, as in counties where the majority of the ratepayers are agriculturists, the present periods for closing the collections inflict hardship, he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation in the direction indicated in the resolution?
§ Mr. CHERRYThe Local Government Board have received the resolution of the Wexford County Council referred to in the question. With regard to the latter part of the question, the Board have power under the Public Bodies Order to grant an extension of time to any collector for the completion of his collection when they are satisfied that the collector is unable for reasons beyond his control to complete the collection within the prescribed time. There does not, therefore, appear to be any necessity for legislation.