§ Mr. SHEEHANasked whether the collectors of rents of labourers' cottages are, by the terms of their bonds, obliged to collect these rents weekly in the case of weekly tenancies; are they under any obligations to prevent the accumulation of arrears in individual cases; are they required to lodge their collections at any stated periods; and what control is exercised by the Local Government Board over these officers?
§ Mr. BIRRELLRent collectors are required under their bonds to collect the rents of labourers' cottages on their becoming due, and to lodge the amounts so collected with the treasurer of the rural district council "monthly or oftener if required." Each collector has to submit to his council at every finance meeting a return showing the names of the tenants who owe four weeks' rent and upwards, with a view to his receiving from the council their directions as to the taking of legal proceedings against the tenants either for recovery of the rents due or for the possession of the tenements. The Local Government Board are empowered by Statute to remove a rent collector from office if they think fit.