MR. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, For what reason, in recasting the Land Sub-Commissions, Mr. Walpole has again been assigned to the Cork Commission, the other members of which have been from time to time changed; whether this is the Mr. Walpole for whose removal the Land Commission was last year memorialized on the ground of his connections with the agent of an extensive property whose rents he was dealing with, and of his neglect to make a personal inspection of farms which he purported to value; and, how many applications by tenants to have fair rents fixed have been withdrawn from the Court within the circuit of the Sub-Commission since Mr. Walpole's appointment?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe Land Commissioners consider it inexpedient on public grounds to give their reasons for the selection of Assistant Commissioners for different districts. The Commissioners received a Memorial last year asking for the removal of Mr. Walpole; but it was found on inquiry that there was no justification for the complaints that were made in the Memorial. Down to the 1st of May this year five applications to have fair rents fixed have been withdrawn in the four counties included in Mr. Walpole's circuit. This is under the average of withdrawals in other districts.
MR. O'BRIENIn consequence of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman the Chief Secretary, I beg to give Notice that I will call attention to this matter on the Vote for the Land Commissioners.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORDo the Government intend to make any inquiries as to Mr. Walpole's relations with his own tenants?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThat matter does not arise out of this Question.