§ MR. SMALLasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he will ask the Land Commissioners to inquire from Sub-Commissioners Rice and Barry the reason why they did not inspect the farm of Thomas Sinnott at Duncormack, county Wexford, before fixing a judicial rent on it; whether it has not hitherto been the practice for Sub-Commissioners to inspect farms before adjudicating on the applications to have a fair rent fixed; and, whether it is intended to abandon this practice?
§ MR. TREVELYANI referred this Question to the Land Commissioners for any observations they might wish to make with regard to it. As they are at present away on Circuit, there has not been time for a reply to come to hand. I think it very unlikely, however, that they would consent to ask the Sub-Commissioners for any explanation of their decision in the case. The usual practice is for Assistant Commissioners to inspect lands before settling the rents. It is their duty to do so in any case in which they deem that such visit may conduce to a just decision. There is no intention of abandoning the practice.