§ MR. WARTON (for Mr. COMPTON LAWRANCE)asked the Vice President of the Committee of Council, Whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. Richard Robinson, a tenant under the Bethell Charity Trustees of Newark, of a farm at Laughton, near Falkingham Lines, under a lease of 21 years from April, 1879, at £160 per annum; whether he is aware that, upon an application made to the Trustees for a reduction of rent, the matter was referred to the Charity Commissioners, and a valuer was sent over at the expense of Mr. Robinson, upon the understanding that he was to abide by the valuation; whether he is aware that the rentable value of the farm was estimated at £90 per annum, and that the valuer expressed a doubt whether a new tenant could be found to give more than £65 per annum for the remainder of the lease; whether he is aware that, notwithstanding such report, the Charity Commissioners have refused to adopt it; and, whether Mr. E. Robinson has any remedy?
§ THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (Mr. E. STANHOPE)Mr. Robinson, who is a tenant under lease of the Bethell Charity Trustees, applied for a reduction of rent at the rate of 25 per cent. The application having been referred to the Charity Commission, they required, in accordance with the usual practice, the Report of a surveyor upon the proposal, Mr. Robinson bearing the cost. But they gave no pledge as to the course they would adopt on receiving the Report. The surveyor, besides considering the matter referred to him, proceeded to express an opinion on the value of the farm. After receiving the Report the Commissioners acceded to Mr. Robinson's request for a reduction of rent, but for one year only, adding that they would consider future proposals as they arose. The dealings of the Commission have not been with 1269 Mr. Robinson, but with the Trustees of the Charity, as in all similar cases. Mr. Robinson's only remedy would appear to be that to which all tenants under lease may ordinarily have recourse in such cases.