HC Deb 02 December 1884 vol 294 cc439-41
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is true that Mr. J. Haughton, of Rockspring, has been removed from his position of Court Valuer under the Land Commission; and, whether, if this be true, the reason for his dismissal will be stated?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

The Land Commissioners inform me that, in August last, they dispensed with Mr. Haughton's services as valuer. They declined to state their reasons. At the same time, they think it right to say that Mr. Haughton's integrity was never questioned.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he considers that such a course as that pursued by the Land Commissioners is altogether fair? Is it right to dismiss a gentleman from the position of Court Valuer, which he was eminently qualified to fill, and thereby to considerably damage his reputation, and to give no explanation of the reason why such a course has been taken? Surely it should be stated why Mr. Haughton has been dismissed. I will, therefore, ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will state the reason?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I have already said that the Land Commissioners, to whom I applied, declined to state their reasons.

MR. SEXTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, out of the nine gentlemen filling the position of valuers, seven were either landlords or in the employment of landlords, and only two were tenant farmers? I would ask him whether he thinks that the confidence of the farmers of Ireland in the Court of Land Appeal will be, or is likely to be, maintained by the dismissal of one of the few men who, as tenant farmers, have practical experience of the value of land?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Well, that is a matter of argument. If the hon. Member wishes to obtain any further information I will be happy to make inquiries.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

With reference to the Question which I have put to the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant as to the dismissal of Mr. Haughton, and in consequence of the reply I have received, I beg to give Notice that on Thursday I shall ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will state how soon Mr. Haughton was dismissed after he had valued the property of the Duke of Manchester in the North of Ireland? I will also ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not a fact that Mr. Haughton has received his dismissal because his valuations did not give satisfaction to the noble Duke? I also beg to give Notice that I shall take every opportunity afforded me of calling continued and persistent attention to the shameful conduct of the Land Commission in Ireland in dismissing a gentleman of the high character and qualifications of Mr. Haughton.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Gentleman is not entitled to use the epithet which he has just used in giving Notice of a Question.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Then, I will give Notice that I shall take every opportunity which the Forms of the House allow of calling attention to the grossly improper conduct of the Land Commission in Ireland. [Cries of "Order!"]

MR. SPEAKER

As the Question could not appear in that shape upon the Paper, it is irregular to give Notice of it in that form.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Very well. Then I will substitute the word "injudicious," although I would rather use those of "grossly improper" in connection with the conduct of the Land Commission in Ireland in dismissing from their service a gentleman of the high character and qualifications of Mr. Haughton without assigning any reason whatever for the dismissal.