HC Deb 24 April 1888 vol 325 cc314-5
MR. BYRNE (Wicklow, W.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, in view of the approaching visit of the Land Commissioners to fix fair rents in County Wicklow, a landlord named Littledale, on whose estate rents have been raised 800 per cent on the tenants' improvements, is about to evict a tenant named Mooney, of Newbawn, Rathdrum, whose case is pending a hearing by the Commissioners, and whose rent is double the valuation; whether notice of the eviction has been served on the Relieving Officer; and, whether the eviction of Mooney, his wife, and seven children, will have the support of the Irish Constabulary?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

The County Inspector of Constabulary understands that the tenant referred to is shortly to be evicted for non-payment of three years' rent, amounting to £432. He also understands that the landlord has not only not raised the rents on any part of his property, but, on the contrary, has reduced them; and that, in the case of the tenant in question, he recently offered to reduce the rent from £144 a-year to £85 a-year, the Poor Law valuation being £81 a-year, and to accept £100 in lieu of the arrears. The tenant refused to accept this proposal. Notice has been served on the Relieving Officer. I am unable now to say whether the authorities responsible for the peace of the district and the due administration of the law will find it necessary to have police present should the proposed eviction be carried out. The County Inspector is not aware whether this tenant has made application to the Land Court. There is no power for the Court to stay eviction in this case, the valuation being over £50 a-year.

MR. BYRNE

said, he was informed—and he would be able to prove the statement—that the rents during six of the eight years had been increased to the extent stated.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

said, he did not know there was any contradiction between the statement made by the hon. Gentleman and the statement he (Mr. A. J. Balfour) had made to the House.

MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when a tenant is served with a notice of eviction he is thereby deprived of the right to have a fair rent fixed unless he pays the whole of the rent due and the law costs included?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

said, that that was so.