HC Deb 26 July 1889 vol 338 cc1424-5
MR. MAURICE HEALY (Cork)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is now prepared to say what the Government propose to do with regard to the appointment of additional Sub-Commissioners for the hearing of fair-rent applications?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I can at present give no definite reply to the hon. Gentleman with regard to the appointment of additional Sub-Commissioners. As, however, I am very desirous of diminishing the number of unheard cases, I propose to bring in a Bill of one clause having for its object to enable landlords and tenants, if they think fit, to have fair rent cases decided out of Court by two lay Sub-Commissioners. If this Bill meets, as I hope it will, with general approval from all sections of the House, there will be no difficulty in passing it into law, though, of course, it will be impossible for the Government to find time for any lengthened controversy should there be any disposition to raise such upon our proposals.