HC Deb 02 November 1882 vol 274 cc657-8
MR. LEWIS

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, having regard to his statements to the Liberal and Tenant Eight deputation that waited on him on the 3rd October, it is the intention of the Government in any way to interfere with the exercise of the discretion of the Irish Land Commissioners as to the continuance of the Court valuers after the expiring of their three months' appointment?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, I must assure the hon. Member that my answer to his speech on this matter is only deferred. It was made without Notice at a time when I was unable to reply. It was a very serious matter for an Irish Secretary to be accused of partiality at a time when he has been for six months putting before himself as his first and most incumbent duty to be impartial. The staff of the Land Commission, whether Sub-Commissionersor Court valuers, cannot be appointed or have their term of office prolonged without the consent of the Government, and the Government will necessarily have to make up their mind on these points after taking the advice of the Land Commissioners. I cannot undertake to say what the action of the Government will be in December.

MR. HEALY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, How many of the court valuers under the Land Act have been under police protection in their own localities and elsewhere; how many tenants were dispossessed by Mr. Gray, J.P. Mr. Russell, J.P. and Captain M'Gill, court valuers; and, when police protection ceased to be given to the two former gentlemen?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, I have ascertained that 16 of the Court valuers never had police protection. Mr. W. H. Gray had police protection from November, 1868, to May, 1869. He had to take proceedings against one tenant last year, who owed two and a-half years' rent. This tenant gave up possession quietly last spring on receiving from Mr. Gray a year's rent in cash, and in addition being excused paying what was due. Mr. Roberts, one of the valuers, was under police protection in 1847, when he was sub-agent to Major Mahon, who was murdered in that year. I have not yet obtained the information with respect to Mr. Russell and Captain M'Gill.