§ MR. GIBSONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What is the rate of reduction in rents made by the Irish Land Commission for each of the six months ending 29th February last; what does he now estimate will be the cost of the Irish Land Commission for the approaching financial year; and, will a Supplementary Estimate be laid upon the Table for the additional cost caused by the recent decision of the Irish Government to continue the employment of the temporary Sub-Commissioners for four months?
MR. THEVELYANThe Land Commissioners inform me that they will not be in a position for about three weeks from this time to give the rate of reduction for February. In each of the six months ending January 31 the rate was respectively—about 17, 1.66, 19, 20 (nearly), 19 (nearly), and 17.7, the average being 18. 6. The Irish Government is at present in communication with the Treasury on the subject of the Esti- 1644 mates in connection with the decision to continue the Sub-Commissions, and with the Land Commissioners on the subject of possible economies on other sub-heads of the Estimates; but, as at present advised, I can scarcely hope that a Supplementary Estimate can possibly be avoided.