HC Deb 26 July 1888 vol 329 c545
MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to are port published in The Belfast Morning News of the 23rd instant of a meeting of the Ulster Land Committee, held in Belfast on Friday last, under the presidency of Samuel Black, Esq., J.P., at which a resolution was adopted expressing alarm and apprehension in view of the prospect of the enormous number of evictions in Ireland, and appealing— To Parliament to adopt measures calculated to arrest the injustice and suffering which are likely to ensue from such lamentable proceedings; and, whether, considering that a large number of these evictions are in consequence of the non-payment of the old rents, which the landlords are endeavouring to exact from tenants who are entitled to the benefit of the fair rents, he will take steps to prevent evictions in respect of the non-payment of the old rents pending the fixing of the fair rents by the Land Commission?

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

I have seen the article alluded to; but I have no ground for thinking that the anticipations expressed in the Question are likely to be realized.

MR. M'CARTAN

Is it not a fact that a large number of Irish landlords are exacting the old rents, pending the fixing of fair rents?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

No; I am not aware of that; but I should be very glad to take into consideration any case the hon. Gentleman places before me.