HC Deb 11 May 1911 vol 25 cc1359-61
Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman had received a resolution from the Navan Rural Council protesting against the action of the Local Government Board in reducing the grants for medical and educational purposes; and if he would state what authority the Board had for its action?

Mr. O'DOWD

also asked whether the Chief Secretary was aware that the Local Government Board for Ireland had recently issued a circular stating that the amount paid out of the Local Taxation (Ireland) Account in aid of the local rates would be reduced by one-half in the coming year; and, if so, whether, considering that Ireland is already overtaxed, and in view of the effect of this policy on the finances of boards of guardians and district councils, the matter would be reconsidered with a view to having this circular cancelled?

Mr. BIRRELL

These two questions appear to be based on a misapprehension. The circular issued by the Local Government Board on 21st April, to which reference presumably is made, does not contain any statement that, the amount paid out of the Local Taxation Account in aid of the local rates will be reduced by one-half in the coming year, but merely gives effect to an administrative arrangement by which Clerks of Unions will be saved the trouble of rendering, as heretofore, at this period of the year, returns of expenditure for medical and educational purposes, other than for medicines and medical and surgical appliances, for the half-year ended 31st March. It is intended, if the money in the Local Taxation Account is sufficient for the purpose, to make to boards of guardians, in September or earlier, advances on account to the extent of one-half the fixed standard amount. The payment of the balance for the year ending 30th September will, when ascertained, be made as in former years, before the end of the financial year.

Mr. FARRELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman as President of the Local Government Board, consulted in these matters by the Local Government Board?

Mr. BIRRELL

In this particular case I had no knowledge of the circular issued, and I quite agree it was expressed in a form which might easily give rise to misapprehension, which I hope I have now allayed.

Mr. CLANCY

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the circular of the Local Government Board gave the impression to all readers of it in Ireland that only half would be paid in future?

Mr. BIRRELL

That is quite a mistake. The intention was to relieve the clerks of unions from an obligation at the present moment to make a particular return. They are now told that they will get one, half of the advances at a particular date and the balance at the end of the financial year.

Mr. O'DOWD

Does this mean any addition to local taxation?

Mr. BIRRELL

None, whatever.

Mr. FARRELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause his reply to be circulated as the official action of the. Local Government Board on the matter?

Mr. BIRRELL

My reply has been made, and will be circulated.