§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. John J. Hickey, of Lisnabog, Cullin, Millstreet, County Cork, who in the month of December last had an originating notice served on his land lord, Mr. Trench, to have a fair rent fixed by the Land Court; whether, not withstanding that the application was made two months before the necessary time, his name has not been placed on the list for hearing by the Court; whether any pressure of business in the Court has prevented his name being entered for hearing; and, whether a number of other cases in the Kanturk and Macroom Unions have been similarly shelved; and, if so, whether he will call the attention of the Land Commission to the matter?
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)The Land Commissioners report that the facts are substantially as stated, and the reason of the delay is that suggested by the third paragraph of the Question—namely, pressure of business. The Commissioners were unable to list for hearing on this Circuit any application received after the 22nd of November. There are 200 cases from County Cork thus unlisted.
§ DR. TANNERasked, whether it was a fact that, practically speaking, there was no such pressure of business? He inserted a clause in the Question, which had been struck out at the Table, asking whether all the cases had not been finished nearly a month ago?
§ MR. HOLMESIt is impossible, at the next sitting, for the Sub-Commissioners to dispose of more cases than are already listed.
§ DR. TANNERWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman give us the assurance that the cases will be taken as soon as possible?
§ MR. HOLMESI cannot be responsible for the Land Commissioners; but I am sure they will do their duty in this matter.