§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any, are taken by the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland to secure the pure local administration of moneys under their control; what amount is distributed annually, and at what date, among the poor of Cloghan, Westmeath, under the will of the late Adolphus Cooke; who the beneficiaries on the last occasion were; whether the money was given to them on the eve of a local election; whether one of the nominal administrators has in consequence ceased to act; and whether the Commissioners will appoint new administrators of that money?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests inform me that in cases where they are empowered to appoint local administrators of moneys under their control, if evidence is laid before them that breaches of trust have been committed, they inquire into the circumstances, and, if necessary, institute proceedings. The Commissioners, who are merely custodians of the fund, remit to the trustees about £90 annually for distribution among the poor of Cloghan, under the will of the late Adolphus Cooke. The trustees are given absolute discretion as to the date at which the money may be distributed, and the selection of the beneficiaries. The Commissioners have received no intimation that one of the trustees has ceased to act, and they have no power to appoint an administrator.