§ 76. Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked whether, having regard to the dissatisfaction which at present exists owing to the way in which Grants-in-Aid are deducted from Irish county councils without satisfactory explanation, because of defaulters or other reasons, under the Irish Land Acts, he will permit any Member of this House to inspect the accounts on behalf of the constituency he represents?
§ Mr. BIRRELLDeductions from Grants to county councils in respect of arrears of Land Purchase Annuities are made in pursuance of Rules No. 6 (2) and 8 (2) of the Statutory Rules of 24th January, 1912, made by the Treasury under the Irish Land Acts of 1903 and 1909. An inspection of the accounts kept under the authority of these rules will not disclose the names of the tenant purchasers in default. I recognise that the application made by certain county councils for further information on this point is not unreasonable, and the question whether and to what extent this request can be granted is at present under consideration. The fullest possible information as to deductions from the Grants is always given to county councils who may apply for it.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYAs the amount in deductions is nearly half a million, could not the right hon. Gentleman at once see his way to putting the county councils in possession of the facts by an independent legal inquiry as against a mere Treasury decision?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAs I have already stated, the question is engaging my attention, and I hope to be able to give the county councils further and better information than is now at their disposal.