§ MR. H. CAMPBELL (Fermanagh, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Is it the fact that Hugh Reilly and Patrick Reehill, of Clincoohy, barony of Knockninny, county Fermanagh, served the necessary notices upon their landlord, the Rev. J. Massy Beresford, to have a fair rent fixed; whether these cases were heard at Lisnaskea on 15th October 1883, four Commissioners being present; did the fair rent fixed in both cases correspond with the old rent; is it true that the Commissioners never inspected the farms of these men; if so, was the course pursued regular; and, will the cases be reheard?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY) (Newcastle-on-Tyne)These cases were heard by the Commissioners on the date mentioned. The fair rent fixed in both cases was the old rent, which was below the Poor Law valuation. The Commissioners heard the evidence of valuers; but they did not inspect the farms themselves. That, I understand, was a matter within their discretion. No appeal was lodged against the decision, although it was open to the tenants to do so. The time allotted for this purpose has long since passed.