§ MR. SEXTONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland What decision, if any, has been arrived at by the Irish Land Commissioners in reference to the question connected with the hanging gale provision of the Arrears Act, which the Commissioners have reserved for decision?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, the hon. Member, I presume, refers to an answer of mine that provision might possibly be made for enabling tenants to lodge money in Court in cases of doubt to abide the decision of the case, and that the Land Commission had this point under their consideration. I can only say that up to the present the Land Commission are not able to see their way to carry out the suggestion. Meanwhile, they are making every exertion to press forward the decision of the cases already entered, and to inform the tenants of their rights and obligations under the Act.
§ MR. PARNELLWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect that the decision of the Land Commission Court will be given in this matter?
§ MR. TREVELYANThis is one of those cases in which the Land Courts are absolutely responsible, and entirely divorced from the Executive Government. The case has been laid before them by the Government; but I cannot say when their final decision will be announced. Communications of an important nature passed yesterday between London and Dublin, and I have no doubt that a decision will be arrived at with all possible speed.
§ MR. GIBSONAs all Courts are independent of the Executive Government, I should like to know if the Executive Government, in this case, have communicated with the Land Commission Court orally or by writing?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe origin of the communications came from a series of applications by the Land Commission. The Land Commission reported to the Government the difficulties in which they were placed.
§ MR. GIBSONIn writing?
§ MR. TREVELYANIn writing certainly, and in more writings than one, and suggested several methods of dealing with these difficulties; and the Go- 1405 vernment, on the initiative of the Land Commission, have ever since been in communication with them on the subject.
§ MR. GIBSONMay I ask if the Irish Government also communicated in writing?
§ MR. TREVELYANThat I am unable to say. I am unable to say in what form the communications took place in Dublin; but undoubtedly there have been oral communications.
§ MR. SEXTONIn view of the urgency of this matter and its great importance to many people in Ireland, I beg to give Notice that on Friday I shall ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can communicate to the House the decision of the Land Commission?
§ MR. TREVELYANI may say that the Irish Executive are extremely sensible that they can do nothing in this question except to offer advice and suggestions.