§ Mr. LONSDALEasked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware of the belief entertained in Ireland that the Land Act of 1909 would relieve county councils of all liability in respect of land purchase; and whether he would state what was the total amount of the deductions made from the grants payable to these councils in February, 1910.
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am not aware of the existence of the belief referred to. Under the Act of 1909 the county councils are relieved of all liability in connection with the issue of stock for the purpose of land purchase, but they continue to be liable for arrears of annuities. While there were deductions amounting to £1,612 from nine counties on account of sums drawn from the Guarantee Fund in respect of arrears of purchase annuities there were, in the case of the remaining counties, additions 889 amounting to £6,495 on account of arrears which had been recovered during the year and repaid to the Fund. There was consequently a net addition of £4,882 to the amount of the Local Taxation Grant for the whole of Ireland.