§ Mr. SHEEHANasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the polling station for Creggan Upper electoral division has been removed from Shelagh national school, where it was formerly, to Ballybinavy, within 200 or 300 yards of the neighbouring county of Armagh; that the former station at Shelagh was central for the district; that the returning officer, a solicitor, is named Mr. McGahan, formerly agent for Mr. Hazleton; that if this change is sanctioned it will result in keeping numbers of old people from going to the poll at any future election; whether he is aware that the same returning officer has changed the polling station for the neighbouring electoral division of Barrons-town from Drumsinnott national school to the post-office at Hackballscross, within 200 yards of the outside of the electoral division; and what steps do the proper authorities intend to take in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board have no official information on the subject. Under Rule 13 of the Election Order of 16th February, 1899, relating to the election of county and rural district councillors it devolves upon the returning officer to determine the number and situation of polling places and stations subject to the two provisions in the rule.