§ SIR HERVEY BRUCEasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that evidence has been published by the Land Commission, presided over by the Earl of Bessborough, bringing charges 566 against Irish landlords, while the names of the persons giving such evidence have been suppressed; and, whether he would publish the names of the witnesses, or in some way enable the public to form a fair judgment how far the testimony may be biassed or otherwise?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERSir, the second volume, containing what may be called the rebutting evidence, has only been issued to-day, since the hon. Member put his Notice on the Paper. If, after reading that volume, the hon. Member desires any further information, I shall be glad if he will renew his Question, when I hope to be able to supply him with what he may desire.
§ SIR HERVEY BRUCEsaid, that he wished to know the reason why, in the second volume of the Evidence taken before the Land Commission, the names of certain of the gentlemen who gave evidence were not given?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERI gave the reply I did because I supposed the hon. Baronet was alluding to some statements made regarding individuals in the first volume, and I meant generally to indicate that the rebutting Evidence would appear in the second volume circulated to-day and to-morrow. After having looked into it I will do my best to answer any Question, though I have no control over the Report. If the hon. Member will see me privately, I think I can furnish him with all the information on the subject he desires.