§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. Boyers, chemist, of Sligo, has for the past ten years held the contract for the supply of medicines, etc., to the Tubbercurry Union, county Sligo; whether, owing to the satisfaction given by Mr. Boyers during that period, the guardians have unanimously accepted his tender for the current year, though a shade higher than that of another strange firm; and, if so, whether he can explain why the Local Government Board refuses its sanction to the action of the guardians in this matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that Mr. Boyers, of Sligo, has been medicine contractor to the Tubbercurry Union for several years, and was given the contract for the present year by the guardians on the grounds stated in the question, although more favourable terms were offered by a Dublin firm. The latter firm holds drug contracts throughout Ireland, and carries them out with general satisfaction, and, as its tender was the lowest, the Local Government Board considered it should be accepted. The Dublin firm's tender for medical and surgical appliances was also the lowest, and was accepted by the board of guardians.
§ Mr. O'DOWDMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, according to a recent judgment of the Lord Chief Baron in the case of the Richmond Asylum, the guardians are entitled to exercise discretion in regard to these matters?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAs part of the money for these drugs is paid for by the public, it is very desirable that the Local Government Board should exercise control over the contracts that are accepted, and although preference is always given to drugs manufactured in Ireland, in this case the hon. Gentleman will note that the chief competition was between Dublin and the local firm.
§ Mr. O'DOWDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that what influenced the guardians in this particular matter was that in cases of emergency medicines can be got in Sligo in two hours that it would take two days to bring from Dublin? The guardians acted for the convenience of the sick poor in the institution. Under these circumstances, may I inquire whether the right hon. Gentleman can see that the Local Government Board cannot give the guardians discretion in matters of this kind, and whether he will see that the present matter is reconsidered?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am quite willing to consider this or any other case. But the Local Government Board have found it most necessary to exercise a very strict revision over contracts that have been accepted when the money is paid out of the public purse. They really have to exercise some control over the acceptance of contracts in matters of this sort, but I will look into it.
§ Mr. O'DOWDThis tender was only a shade higher than the other.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWill the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Local Government Board in Ireland to the fact that a decision was given in the English Law Courts a few months ago in the case of the Westminster Corporation to the effect that they are entitled to give preference to a local firm even at higher prices?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am quite aware that that is so. But that does not relieve the Local Government Board from protecting public money as far as they possibly can.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWhy not apply the same to England?