§ MR. McCARTANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant 257 of Ireland, with reference to the generous reductions in rent alleged to have been given by Ulster landlords in flax-growing districts, whether he is now in a position to say were such reductions given in respect of last year's rent upon any, and, if so, how many, of the large estates in the counties of Down and Antrim, where flax is largely grown?
§ * MR. GERALD BALFOURThe matters referred to in this Question have already been dealt with by me in answer to previous questions of the hon. Member, to the replies to which I have nothing to add. It has been the invariable custom to withhold the description of particular estates on which rent abatements have been granted or refused, and from this custom I cannot depart. I may add that I have gone personally into the matter, and am satisfied of the correctness of the previous replies to the hon. Gentleman's questions.
§ MR. McCARTANI did not ask for the names of particular estates. I only asked whether there were any estates.
§ * MR. GERALD BALFOURIf the hon. Gentleman will put a Question down again, I will try to answer it.