VISCOUNT TEMPLETOWNI beg to move for a Return, showing for each poor law union in Ireland: (1) The name of every poor law electoral division for which a list of local government electors has been or will be compiled in pursuance of the Registration (Ireland) Act, 1898; (2) the estimated population of each poor law electoral division after any alteration of same has been made for the purposes of said Act.
THE LORD CHANCELLOR OF IRELANDThis Motion is quite premature. The Bill has only just been passed, and the Irish Local Government Board will have its hands extremely full in working out these things in orders and regulations. They will all be published in due course, and every possible information will be given, but, as I said, it is premature now. The Bill has not yet got the Royal assent, and the Local Government Board have not had time to take up everything. There will not be the slightest desire not to give every atom of information that my noble Friend asks for, and is practicable, although I do not know whether materials exist for giving particulars as to population. I do not think it is fair and reasonable to ask for a Parliamentary Return in reference to a matter which will be dealt with fully and completely, and with no desire on the part of the Local Government Board to avoid their duty.
VISCOUNT TEMPLETOWNUnder the reasons stated by the noble and learned Lord, I beg to ask leave to withdraw my Motion.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.