HC Deb 13 March 1884 vol 285 cc1332-3
MR. HEALY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If he could state on what point the Irish-speaking tenant Mary Staunton attempted to deceive Mr. M'Devitt's Sub-Commission; is there anything in the Rules of Court or instructions to Sub Commissioners, authorising the withholding the benefits of the Land Act from tenants who prefer to give their evidence in their native language; if not, does the Head Commission approve the striking out of Widow Staunton's application to have a fair rent fixed, because, in the opinion of the legal Sub-Commissioner, she might have testified in English; and, has any advice been tendered to Mr. M'Devitt for his future guidance with regard to witnesses who prefer to speak in Irish?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, I have received a communication on this ease from the Land Commissioners to the following effect:— The Land Commissioners cannot ask Assistant Commissioner M'Devitt to explain the reasons of his decision in this case. If the tenant felt herself agrieved, her proper course was to apply for a rehearing of her case under the 44th section of the Act. I conclude that the Land Commissioners think it would be a proceeding of the same nature as a Superior Court of Appeal asking for the reason of a decision from an Inferior Court. There is no rule of Court or special instruction to Assistant Commissioners with respect to the matter mentioned in the second paragraph— The practice is—(I am now reading the letter of the Land Commissioners)—as has been already stated, that is to say, that an interpreter is always employed when required. The Land Commissioners can give no opinion on Mr. M'Devitt's decision, except a judicial opinion after a rehearing of the case. They have not tendered him any advice on the subject. He will, doubtless, employ an interpreter when necessary.

MR. HEALY

said, the right hon. Gentleman ought to have been informed that the woman had applied for a rehearing, but had been ordered to pay costs; and also that, while if she had got a decision at the proper time her rent would have been reduced, she had had to pay the old rent ever since.