HC Deb 14 August 1876 vol 231 cc1223-4
THE O'DONOGHUE

rose to call attention to the state of Land Tenure in Ireland, and to move— That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that She may be graciously pleased to issue a Royal Commission to inquire into and report upon the state of Land Tenure in Ireland and the condition of the occupiers of land. The question was a most important one to the occupiers of land in Ireland, who numbered 650,000, and amongst whom there was but one opinion, and that was that the present state of the question could not be endured by them. On the other hand, it was said by the landlords that the condition of the occupiers of land under them in Ireland was one that, they ought to be satisfied with, and such as any man of industry might reasonably be satisfied with. The occupiers of land, on their part, stated that they had no security of tenure but what the landowners choose to give them. The farmers complained of their uncertainty of tenure, and that while they occupied their land at a fair rent, they were yet in a state requiring security for their holdings, and they were therefore desirous that a Royal Commission should issue to inquire into the Land Tenure question in Ireland.

Notice taken, that 40 Members were not present; House counted, and 40 Members not being present,

House adjourned at ten minutes after Six o'clock.