§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he proposes to introduce a Bill for the temporary adjustment of judicial rents in Ireland; and, if not, whether he will endeavour to facilitate the passing of such a Bill if introduced by a Private Member?
§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)At the same time I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a large body of opinion in Ireland, including that of the Conservative classes in Ulster, is favourable to the re-enactment of a clause similar in principal to that passed by the late Government in 1887, providing for the revision of judicial rents in consequence of the great fall in prices; and whether, if he found that a Bill to make provision for such revision would have the general assent of all parties from Ireland, the Government would give the matter favourable consideration?
MR. J. MORLEYWith regard to the questions the Irish Government, as I have said, are not prepared to introduce a Bill with this object, and I cannot undertake to say that the Government would support such a Bill.
§ MR. W. REDMOND (Clare, E.)is the matter under the consideration of the Government?
MR. J. MORLEYI am considering all the circumstances which might influence the Government in this matter, but I am not prepared to bring in a Bill or to support a Bill on the subject.
§ MR. W. REDMONDAm I to understand that nothing is to be done in the present Session to interfere with judicial rents in Ireland?
§ MR. T. M. HEALYMay I ask whether, if such a Bill is backed by Members of all parties from Ireland, by Ulster Conservative Members as well as by National Members showing a general consensus of opinion in favour of such a clause as was introduced by the late Government, and if there are indications that such a Bill will not meet with serious opposition, the Government will be prepared to support it.
MR. J. MORLEYUndoubtedly if a Bill were presented under such circumstances it would receive our most careful attention.
§ MR. W. REDMONDMight I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that in many parts of Ireland, and more particularly in portions of Clare county, there is a widespread apprehension that, if something is not done to relieve the tenants from the full judicial rents which were fixed years ago when the prices were higher, there may arise disturbances of a serious character following upon evictions.
MR. J. MORLEYI am well aware that there exists in Ireland a considerable movement of opinion in that direction. The matter is receiving my attention.
§ MR. A. O'CONNORIf a Bill of the description referred to in the last part of the question of the hon. and learned Member for North Louth (Mr. T. M. Healy) is brought in, will the Government feel themselves constrained to oppose it.
MR. J. MORLEYI cannot say that I should be constrained to oppose a Bill until I have seen it and have acquainted myself with its provisions.