§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary, having regard to the canvassing, treating, interference with voters, and tampering with ballot papers and ballot boxes practised by some local government officials in Ireland at the last triennial elections, when the councils which employ them were not in a condition to restrain them, with the result that in many cases 450W those officials secured the election of councillors favourable to themselves as against the ratepayers, if he will say what steps the Local Government Board for Ireland have taken, or will take, to prevent this abuse in the elections now pending?
§ Mr. BIRRELLSo far as the Local Government Board are aware, the officers responsible for the conduct of local government elections generally carry out their duties satisfactorily, although occasionally complaints are received from defeated candidates attributing their defeat to misconduct on the part of election officers. Under the election rules all election officers render themselves liable to heavy penalties in the event of their being found guilty of any misconduct in connection with the elections, and in the opinion of the Board this provision is sufficient, and no further steps are necessary in connection with the matter.