HC Deb 30 November 1882 vol 275 cc364-5
MR. SEXTON

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is the fact that Mr. Grey, Chief Court Valuer, acting for the Appeal Court, under the Land Act, at Lifford, county Donegal, valued a mountain holding on the Ogilvey Estate, held by a tenant named John Risborough, and consisting of twelve acres of bad land, at double the value set upon it by the two Valuers employed on behalf of the landlord; whether the Commissioners, or any of them, asserted that Mr. Grey included the value of houses on the holding, but, on the solicitor for the tenant demanding to have Mr. Grey's report examined, it was found that he had valued the land alone; and, whether Mr. Grey is the same official who valued farms on the estate of Lord Talbot de Malahide higher than the landlord's valuer; and, how long he will be continued as an Official Valuer of the Land Court?

MR. TREVELYAN

The following is a copy of a telegram which I have received from the Land Commissioners in reference to this Question:— It is untrue that the Commissioners, or any of them, asserted that Mr. Grey included in his valuation the value of the house on the holding. The case still stands for judgment, and we decline any answer to the remainder of the Question. With regard to the inquiry whether the Mr. Grey alluded to is the same official who valued farms on the estate of Lord Talbot de Malahide, the answer is that he is not the same. I think I may also read part of a letter which I have received from Mr. Grey, in which he says that he valued another farm on the same estate on the same day, consisting of 70 acres without any buildings, the rent being £62, the tenant's own offer when he took it. The Sub-Commissioners reduced it to £56, and he stated it was not worth £44. He (Mr. Grey) asked why did not the hon. Member (Mr. Sexton) ask a Question about that farm?

MR. SEXTON

asked, was he to understand that neither the right hon. Gentleman nor the Commissioners would give any reply with reference to a matter which was publicly stated in the Lifford Courthouse—namely, that Mr. Grey had valued the farm at double the sum fixed by the valuers of the landlord?

MR. GIBSON

would like to ask when it would be convenient for the Chief Secretary to lay upon the Table the letter, extracts from which he read last night?

MR. TREVELYAN

When I get leave from the Land Commissioners.