§ Mr. MULDOONasked the Chief Secretary whether he has received from several Irish public bodies expressions of opinion as to the desirability of repealing the Public Bodies Order, 1894, issued by the Local Government Board for Ireland, and the rating provisions of the Local Government Act of 1898 by which the small occupiers were made for the first time responsible for the payment of poor rate; and what steps he intends to take?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board have received some Resolution from local bodies on the subjects mentioned in the question. So far as the Public Bodies Order, 1894, is concerned, the Board's experience is that it is working very well throughout the country, and they see no reason for any amendment at present. With regard to the suggested 1499W repeal of the provisions of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, so far as they apply to rates on valuations of £4 and under, I am not prepared to recommend any amendment of the Act in the direction indicated by the hon. Member.