HC Deb 25 June 1896 vol 42 c63
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the Clogher Board of Guardians, South Tyrone, on the 20th instant, Mr. J. K. Andrell, J. P., presiding, declaring that the judicial rents were fixed taxing the tenants' improvements, and requesting the Government to make a reduction of 50 per cent., dating from 1st March 1895; to amend the clauses regarding improvements; that improvements be deemed the property of the tenants unless the landlord could prove claim to them; that the judicial term should be reduced to ten years; that half the Land Commissioners should be appointed by the tenants and the other half by the landlords; that the right of pre-emption should not be allowed, thus securing free sale to tenants; that all agricultural tenants should be allowed to have fair rents fixed; and that the purchase clause be made compulsory; and, whether he proposes to take any and, if so, what action to give effect to the opinions and recommendations of the Clogher Board of Guardians?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

My attention has been directed to the resolution referred to; and the opinions and recommendations of the Clogher Board of Guardians have been duly noted. From most of these opinions and recommendations the Irish Government ventures respectfully to dissent.