HC Deb 23 August 1889 vol 340 cc242-3
MR. MAURICE HEALY

I beg to ask the Solicitor General for Ireland whether he can state what was the highest number of Sub-Commissioners appointed by the Irish Land Commission and holding office at the same time during the years 1882 and 1883; what is the number of Sub-Commissioners now appointed; what number of Sub-Commissioners the Treasury has authorised the appointment of; and whether, now that the Judicial Rents (Ireland) Bill is dropped, he will make, before Parliament rises, a statement as to whether any additional Sub-Commissioners are to be appointed, and generally as to the measures which the Government propose to take for expediting the hearing of fair rent applications by the Irish Land Commission?

MR. MADDEN

At the commencement of 1882 there were 12 Sub-Commissions, each consisting of one legal and two lay members. The number was increased in April to 16 such Sub-Commissions, and further increased in September to 17 such Sub-Commissions. In January, 1883, the number of Sub-Commissions similarly instituted was increased to 28. There are at present 30 Sub-Commissions, consisting of two lay members each, all working under nine legal members. This appears to be the number at present sanctioned by the Treasury. As hon. Gentlemen opposite have made it impossible for the Government to pass the Judicial Rents Bill, the Government have no alternative legislation to propose this Session. They will consider how far it would be expedient in the public interest to increase the present number of Sub-Commissions, and the Land Commission will do all they can to expedite the hearing of cases.

MR. M. HEALY

What is the total number of Sub Commissioners acting now?

MR. MADDEN

The total number is 69. There are 30 sets of Sub-Commissions at work, with two lay Commissioners to each, the whole being under-the control of nine legal Commissioners.

MR. M. HEALY

Is it the fact that during the years 1882 and 1883 there were no less than 85 Sub-Commissioners appointed?

MR. MADDEN

From the information supplied to me it appears that in January, 1883, there were 84 Sub-Commissioners. There were 28 Sub-Commissions at work, each of which had two lay Commissioners and one legal Commissioner. There are now 30 Sub-Commissions, although the total number of Sub-Commissioners is only 69.

MR. M. HEALY

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Chief Secretary has stated that there are only 10 Courts now sitting?

MR. MADDEN

No, Sir; I was not aware of that. It is true that there are only nine legal Sub-Commissioners; but as I have explained, there are 69 Sub-Commissioners working in 30 Sub-Commissions.

MR. HAYDEN (Leitrim, S.)

Are there more than 10 Commissioners sitting now throughout the country?

MR. MADDEN

Yes, Sir, there are 30.