HC Deb 03 May 1881 vol 260 cc1660-1
MR. SEXTON

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, How many families in Ireland are, at the present moment, threatened with eviction from their homes, and loss of their means of living, by reason of the issue of decrees of ejectment against them at the suit of their landlords?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

From the Returns which I have received, which are not quite complete, I find that about 2,273 decrees of ejectment for non-payment of rent have been granted at the recent sessions. I believe that by the time the sessions have been brought to a conclusion that number will probably be increased to 2,500. A good many of these cases, however, may be expected to be settled; because, although I do not doubt there are cases in which tenants are unable to pay, there are many where they are able, but unwilling, to pay.

MR. SEXTON

To what extent will the 2,500 evictions be increased by decrees made in the Superior Courts?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

I cannot give the exact estimate. It is impossible for anyone to do that. From the Returns already given to the House, the hon. Member will be able to make out for himself how many previous ejectment decrees have been made. The Returns I have given do not include the Returns from the Superior Courts. I do not believe, however, that there will be any large addition made from those Courts.