HC Deb 02 April 1883 vol 277 cc1175-6
MR. TOTTENHAM

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, If his attention has been directed to a circular addressed by the Commissioners of Public Works to the proprietors interested in the Rathangan Drainage District, dated 19th March, 1883—viz., Rathangan Drainage District, Office of Public Works, Dublin, 19th March, 1883. Sir—I am desired by the Commissioners of Public Works to inform you, as one of the proprietors interested in the above-mentioned drainage district, that, their attention having been drawn to their powers under the Drainage Acts, in connection with the Land Law (Ireland) Act of 1881, to determine on the completion of the works in any drainage district the amount of increased rent which tenants shall pay in consequence of the improvement of their holdings effected by the drainage works, they are advised by the law officers of the Crown that if during the progress of the works a judicial rent has been fixed, or a new lease has been made, or a new rent amicably arranged with any tenants, the Commissioners cannot fix an increased rent on any such tenants, unless it be clearly established that when the rent was settled it was intended that an increased rent was to be fixed on the completion of the works.—I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, E. Hornsby, Secretary. And, if this embodies the views of Her Majesty's Government, what steps it is proposod to take in relief of those proprietors who are now saddled with a charge which they cannot levy from those who are deriving the benefit of it?

MR. COURTNEY

My attention has been drawn by the Question of the hon. Member to the Circular he quotes, and I recognize its great importance to proprietors in drainage districts where works are in progress. I will take immediate steps to inquire both into the practical character of the injustice he apprehends and the means of remedying it.