§ Mr. FRANCIS MEEHANasked whether, in the event of district councils resisting the enforcement of the Cowsheds and Dairies Order in Ireland, the Local Government Board is empowered to enforce it and surcharge the, district council with all cost incurred thereby; and whether such charge, if any, would be an individual or all union charge?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board are advised that this Order may be enforced against a local authority in the same way as other cases of refusal to discharge statutory duties, and it would, presumably, be competent for the court to award costs against the local authority. Such costs would no doubt, be payable out of the district fund, but the auditor would have to decide whether the expense had been incurred in circumstances making it a proper charge against the rates.
§ Mr. FRANCIS MEEHANasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, if the Cowsheds and Dairies Order is enforced by the Local Government Board, it will have a very damaging effect on the co-operative creamery business in Ireland; and whether, having regard to the fact that it penalises those who sell milk to creameries or otherwise, and will have the 2305 effect of compelling farmers to revert to the antiquated system of dairying, he will consider the advisability of instituting an inquiry with a view of amending the Act?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board have no reason to think that this Order will injure creameries or cause a return to the system of home dairying. There is, therefore, no necessity for the suggested inquiry.