§ MR. McCARTANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) whether he is aware that the gross poor law valuation of 597 the holding of Mr. James Bailie, of Portlinghan, in the union of Downpatrick, is £240; that in May, 1889, his fair rent was fixed at £120; and that, notwithstanding the admittedly reduced value of his farm, he is still obliged to pay rates and taxes on an amount double the annual value of his farm; (2) whether he is aware that gene-rally in the north of Ireland the poor law valuation of an agricultural holding is very much in excess of the actual value; and (3), whether he will make inqniry with the view of having this state of affairs remedied?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe facts appear to be as stated in the first paragraph. The area of the holding is 220 acres, and the valuation of the buildings on the holding, and comprised in the total valuation of £240, is £20. I believe that in the north of Ireland the rateable valuation of land is frequently higher than the judicial rental. There is no power under the Valuation Acts to alter the valuation of laud. I hope to look-further into the general question during the Recess.