§ MR. KNOXI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether any decision has yet been arrived at as to the payment of the amount of the verdict and costs in the case of "Ryan v. The Guardians of the Cavan Union"; if so, what is the decision; if not, what is the reason for the delay; and whether he is aware that the loss caused to the Guardians in that case was entirely caused by their obedience to the order of the Inspector appointed by the Land Commission, under the Seed Potatoes Act, that they were bound to obey such order by the rules made under the Act, and that the Guardians of the Enniskillen Union, under similar circumstances, refused to obey the same rule, and escaped the loss which has fallen 983 on the Cavan Guardians on account of their obedience to the law?
*SIR J. GORSTThe Treasury cannot consider this question until the close of the collection of the seed rate. I am not aware of the circumstances alleged in the second paragraph of the question.
§ MR. KNOXMay I ask, as the right hon. Gentleman told me three months ago that this matter was under consideration, what has been the result of the consideration which has been going on; and what is the reason why the consideration must be postponed until the time he mentions?
§ MR. KNOXWhy should it not be considered earlier? I do not see any occasion for the delay. I shall put down a question for another day.