§ MR. MOLLOYasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, having regard to the great number of tenants, estimated at 350,000, whose claims will have to be heard under the Arrears Bill, he will endeavour, on Report, to amend that part of the fifth clause which requires a double investigation, viz.: firstly, the inquiry to be made by fit persons appointed to "investigate and report," and secondly, the investigation of such reports by the Land Commission itself; and, whether such double investigation could be avoided?
MR. GLADSTONESir, the hon. Gentleman's figures are very far in excess of the estimate which the Government, on close examination, are prepared 1099 to make. I believe that the figure of 200,0(10 is really about the basis of the question, and it is a matter in some degree of speculation what number out of this 200,000 are in arrear, and are consequently more or less in a condition primâ facie to fall within the operation of the Bill. But with respect to the question of the double investigation, I think the hon. Member may dismiss his apprehensions. It is by no means intended that there shall be a double investigation. On the contrary, the supposition is, the work will, in the first instance, be properly and thoroughly performed; but it is absolutely necessary to reserve power of a re-investigation, in order to insure that it will be properly and thoroughly performed. If the Commissioners make judicious appointments, I have no doubt the double investigation will be a rare occurrence; but, at the same time, it is necessary to reserve power that it should be ordered.