§ Mr. O'SHEEasked the Chief Secretary whether Poor Law rate books in Ireland are being destroyed after a lapse of some years from their preparation; what are the regulations with reference to the preservation of the same; and whether he will consider the desirability of having them preserved as records in the Public Record Office, Dublin?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board have no information as to the practice of local authorities in regard to the preservation or destruction of the rate books. There are no regulations with respect to the old rate books, but the Board, when consulted, advise local authorities that records, such as minute books, valuation lists, or rate books, should be preserved. The Board are of opinion that as these documents might be required for purposes of reference by local ratepayers it is preferable that they should be retained in the custody of the local authorities themselves.