§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the decision of the Lisburn Board of Guardians to erect the new dispensary at Glenavy instead of at Ballinderry was carried only by 12 votes 863W to eight, although the total number of the guardians is over 60; whether he is aware that Glenavy is on the extreme border of the district, and that the erection of the dispensary there inconveniences some 400 of the people entitled to dispensary relief; whether the cost of the land required at Glenavy is £70 per acre, whilst land could be had at Ballinderry for 40 per cent. less; and whether, in view of the circumstances, he will direct the Local Government Board to hold a full inquiry into this matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe proposal to acquire the Glenavy site for the new dispensary residence was carried by the board of guardians by twelve votes as against eight in favour of the Ballinderry site. The meeting had been specially summoned to consider the question, and twenty-four out of the sixty-two guardians in office attended. Glenavy, where the medical officer has hitherto resided, is, in the opinion of the Local Government Board, the most convenient and suitable place for the dispensary residence, having regard to the interests of the dispensary district as a whole. The price of the site at Glenavy is £70 an acre, and that at Ballinderry £50 an acre. I do not consider that the suggested inquiry is either necessary or desirable, or that there is any adequate reason to question the action of the guardians in the matter.