§ MR. SMALLasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that an application to fix a fair rent under the Land Act, in which Mrs. Margaret Staples was landlady and Thomas Sinnott, of Duncormack, tenant, was heard at Wexford on the 8th April, before Messrs. Rice and Barry, Sub-Commissioners; that the area of the holding was two acres. The valuation £2, and the rent £4; that only one valuator was examined, who estimated a fair rent at £2 7s., and that no evidence whatever in answer was offered by the landlady; that the Sub-Commissioners did not visit the lands or even view them from a distance, and that they fixed the judicial rent at £4, being the amount of the old rent, and double the valuation; and, whether, 988 under these circumstances, he can state on what grounds the Sub-Commissioners arrived at their decision?
§ MR. TREVELYANThis Question was referred to the Land Commissioners for any observations they may have to offer with regard to it; and they report as follows:—
The application of Thomas Sinnott to have a fair rent fixed was heard, as stated, before a Sub-Commission, consisting of Messrs. Rice and Barry. The area of the holding was over three acres; the valuation was £2; the rent was £4; and this the Sub-Commissioners left unaltered. The Land Commissioners have no knowledge of the evidence that was offered, nor as to whether the Sub-Commission visited the farm. The Commissioners are not aware of the grounds on which the Sub-Commission arrived at its decision, and they decline to make inquiry. If the tenant is dissatisfied with the decision he has a right of appeal.