§ MR. KENNYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he can state how many of the lay Sub-Commissioners under "The Land Law (Ireland) Act, 1881," were land agents at or immediately prior to the date of their appointment; and, also, if he can state how many such Sub-Commissioners have transferred their agencies to members of their own families; and, if, in the proposed reduction of the number of Sub-Commissioners, account will be taken of those who have filled such offices, in order that they may no longer be retained in their present capacity?
§ MR. TREVELYANSome, I cannot say how many, of the Sub-Commissioners were land agents; but they ceased to act in such capacity on being appointed. "What arrangements they may have made for the conduct of their business is not within the knowledge of the Government, nor do they think that any public purpose would be served by making an inquiry. As regards re-appointments, the discretion must absolutely remain with the Lord Lieutenant.