§ MR. W. ABRAHAM (Limerick, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is true that Sub-Commissioners Butler and Gregory, in May last, while engaged in valuing the farm of Timothy M'Carthy, a tenant of Lord Muskerry, partook of luncheon provided by the landlord; if it is contrary to any Rule or recommendations of the Land Commission that Sub-Commissioners should accept hospitality from a landlord while performing official duty; and, considering the decisions of the Limerick Sub-Commission have given such dissatisfaction that a public meeting was recently held in Newcastle West with reference to the insufficiency of the reductions given to tenants by this Sub-Commission, he will direct Messrs. Butler and Gregory to refrain 435 from a practice which may have the effect of lessening public confidence in their impartiality?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN) (Dublin University)(who replied) said: The Land Commissioners state that the Assistant Commissioners referred to report that when they went to inspect some farms on the estate they were shown over the farms by Lord Muskerry in company with the tenants. They partook of some refreshment from a luncheon basket which had been sent to meet him. Some of the tenants were present, and sitting near them at the time. The Commissioners add that they have always recommended the Assistant Commissioners to abstain from acceptance of hospitality while on circuit; but they attach no importance to an occurrence of the nature in question.
§ MR. W. ABRAHAMasked, whether the hon. and learned Gentleman was aware that the rent of the tenant in question was only reduced from £79 to £71 in consequence of this luncheon?
§ MR. MADDENsaid, he was not aware of the figures in the case; but he thought the character of the reduction of rent could hardly be attributed to the circumstances referred to.