HC Deb 22 July 1914 vol 65 cc455-6W
Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that many drainage boards in Ireland are not really elected, undergo no change except by occasional co-option, invite no tenders for any works they do, render no acounts to the payers of drainage rates, and are inaccessible and inoperative when the ratepayers require anything done; and whether he can, without legislation, by inaugurating a uniform system enforce efficiency in all these respects?

Mr. BIRRELL

The matter to which the hon. Member refers is one which would require legislation, and I can hold out no hope of any amendment of the law at present. It is a matter which may very well be dealt with by the Irish Parliament.