§ Mr. J. P. FARRELL (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will consent to give a Return of the 1632 amount of county cess paid in Ireland annually, setting forth the amount collected per county and barony, and the approximate amount paid by landlords as distinct from tenants; and, if so, will he state if such a Return can be procured before 12th May?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe Government have no information respecting the amount of county cess collected in each barony, or the amount of cess paid by landlords as distinct from tenants; nor have the Government any moans at its disposal of obtaining such information. Even were it otherwise, I fear the value of the Return would not be commensurate with the labour involved in its preparation.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman give a Return that will show the amount collected in each county?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThere is already a Return showing the amount in each county, but not the amount to each individual. The Government have; no means at their disposal in regard to the latter.