HC Deb 18 February 1887 vol 311 cc26-7
MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to a statement which appeared in the daily papers of Monday the 14th February instant, to the effect that Lord Annesley had telegraphed from India, refusing to give any reduction in the present rents to his County Down tenants, who had presented him with a Memorial in which they expressed their inability to pay the same; whether the reduction given by the Land Commission at Belfast, on 30th November last, in the rent of one of his tenants—namely, Mrs. Elizabeth Savage, of Backaderry, Castlewellan, was upwards of five times the amount of the reduction given by the Sub-Commission, from whose decision the tenant appealed; and, whether, under the circumstances, the Government will endeavour to secure for Lord Annesley's tenants a reduction in their present rents commensurate with the tall in the prices of produce and with the necessities of the case?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)

A newspaper statement to the effect mentioned has been published, but I do not know whether it is correct. The facts as regards the case of Mrs. Savage are that her rent was reduced by the Sub-Commissioners from £37 6s. to £36, and further reduced on appeal to £31.

MR. M'CARTAN

said, the right hon. Gentleman had not said whether, under the circumstances, the Government would endeavour to secure for Lord Annesley's tenants a reduction on their present rents commensurate with the fall in the prices of produce and with the necessities of the case.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

I do not think it necessary for me to interfere.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman have any objection to apply pressure within the law in this case?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

I have explained to the House the circumstances under which we acted. I do not think this is a case in which the Government are called upon to take any steps.

MR. M'CARTAN

Then am I to understand that the tenants must rely upon their own endeavours to obtain justice?

[No reply.]