§ 29. Mr. HACKETTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the Urlingford Board of Guardians on 14th June, 1917, refusing to adopt the scale of rations for union officers, recently prescribed by sealed order of the Local Government Board, on the ground that the guardians were bound by contract with their officers to supply them with meals in accordance with the scale in operation since their appointments, and that the quantities of food allowed by the sealed order are totally inadequate for any working adult; and will the Local Government Board withdraw their order, at least so far as Urlingford union is concerned, so that the guardians may discharge their obligations to their officers without becoming liable thereby to surcharge by the auditor?
§ Mr. DUKEMy attention has been called to the resolution of the Urlingford Guardians referred to. After the warning of the Food Controller as to the necessity for economy in the consumption of food a circular was issued to boards of guardians urging them to consider the question of reducing the rations of their officers during the remaining period of the War. The Urlingford Guardians did not think it necessary to alter the existing rations, although the allowances were in excess of the Food Controller's scale; and the Local Government Board, having pressed them to revise the rations and the guardians having adjourned the matter for a month, the Board, by order under Section 31 of the Poor Belief (Ireland) Act, 1838, prescribed a scale of rations which, while 2124 conforming to the Food Controller's requirements, allowed a varied dietary in. excess of the standard considered ample for a working adult by many of the best authorities. When other boards of guardians fail to revise the rations of their officials by agreement so as to conform to the limitations prescribed by the Food Controller the Local Government Board have made, or are about to make, similar orders.