Captain CRAIGasked whether Mr. W. M. Byrne, solicitor to the Carlow Board of 577 Guardians, was entrusted with a sum of money to pay for plots of land in connection with labourers' cottages, and that when the auditor of the Local Government Board visited him unexpectedly subsequent to his usual March audit he could not account for the whole amount, and had to be given two days in which to raise it by borrowing; whether an inquiry is to be held into the administration of the Carlow Board of Guardians; and whether Mr. Byrne has been allowed to remain on as solicitor?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed that Mr. Byrne, was entrusted by the Carlow Rural District Council with money to pay for plots in connection with labourers' cottages, but the further statements that he could not account for it when visited unexpectedly by the auditor and had to be given time to borrow are incorrect. I understand that he lodged to the credit of the council the full amount for which he was responsible within an hour after it was ascertained by the auditor, and there is no reason to suppose that he had to borrow it. The matter was thoroughly investigated by the auditor and no further inquiry is necessary. Mr. Byrne has been retained in office by the council, who have taken steps to prevent the possibility of any future irregularity.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYMay I ask you, Sir, on a point of Order, whether it is right to make the Question Paper of this House the medium of attack upon a professional gentleman in a way in which we now find, from the answer of the Chief Secretary, is absolutely without foundation?
Captain CRAIGIs it not a fact that the Chief Secretary stated at the end of his answer that he would try to prevent any further possibility of irregularities?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI quite agree, if I may say so, with the hon. and learned Member (Mr. T. M. Healy) when he says that it is very cruel to make an accusation of this sort. The only possible irregularity in this matter was that this professional gentleman lodged this sum of money at the bank to his own private account. That was the irregularity. As it happened, it made no difference, for so soon as the money was required it was forthcoming, and there is no imputation whatever upon this gentleman's honour, or upon his solvency. At the same time I quite agree that it is a most undesirable 578 thing that money of this sort should be placed to anything but a separate account.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think the hon. and learned Member (Mr. T. M. Healy) will acknowledge that I have always deprecated charges of this kind being made in a question on the Paper. At the same time, he will see that it is impossible for me to refuse a question. I have no knowledge of the actual facts to which the question relates; I could have no knowledge. I must assume that the hon. and gallant Member (Captain Craig), or any other Member who puts a question down, does it on his own authority and as having a reasonable certitude of the truth of what he inquires about.