HC Deb 15 March 1888 vol 323 cc1296-7
MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, If he can explain why, in the Estimates for the Irish Land Commission for the period from the 1st of April to the 22nd of August, 1888, a reduction of three legal Sub-Commissioners and 12 non-legal Sub-Commissioners is shown under the number for last year, whereas the land cases to be heard have increased by 50,000; and, was this reduction made on the recommendation of the Land Commission; and, if not, who is responsible for it?

THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)

As a matter of fact, the numbers of Sub-Commissioners actually appointed during the present financial year have never reached the figure contemplated in the Supplementary Estimates of last summer, which were necessarily more or less conjectural. The greatest number of Sub-Commissioners in existence this year is 50, which is the present number. Provision has boon made for 65 Sub-Commissioners next year, being an increase of 15 over the numbers now engaged. This provision was personally settled between the Land Commissioners and myself in December last, to cover the number which at that time it was hoped would be sufficient, but on the distinct understanding that if the requirements of the service should prove to be larger the necessary sanction would be given; and, as a fact, this has been done, the sanctioned numbers being now raised to 80.

MR. T. M. HEALY

There were 80 in the Estimates last year; and my point is, how is it this year there is an estimated number of only 65, and how are you going to provide the salary of 80 when you estimate for only 65?

MR. JACKSON

As I have already explained, the Supplementary Estimates of last summer were necessarily very conjectural as to the number of Sub-Commissioners required, and provision was made for a larger number; but, as a matter of fact, the number was not appointed, and the number in existence is 50. That number was increased, after the consultation I had with the Land Commissioners, to 65, as the number, it was thought, which would prove to be sufficient for the work next year; but, as I have said, on the distinct understanding if it proved insufficient the number would be increased to meet the necessary work, and that number was subsequently increased, because two months after it was found the work had increased, and application was made by the Commissioners and sanction given, the sanctioned number of Sub-Commissioners now being 80.