HC Deb 05 February 1897 vol 45 c1423
MR. PATRICK M'HUGH

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether he is aware that processes for rent due on the Lane-Fox Estate, in the county of Leitrim, are accustomed to he filled up by clerks in the rent office at Dromahaig, and that legal expenses for such processes have been charged against, and paid by, the tenants; whether he is aware that such a practice is a violation of the rules and regulations of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland; and will he direct the attention of that body to the system carried on in the rent office referred to?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. ATKINSON,) Londonderry, N.

The practice in the office named is, I believe, as stated in the Question, but I am not sufficiently informed of the facts to enable me to form an opinion whether there is anything illegal in the demand made for costs, which are much less in amount than those receivable if a solicitor were employed. If there be, the tenants have a remedy against the landlord or his clerk. I am not aware whether the practice is a violation of the rules of the Incorporated Law Society, but if it be that body is quite able to take care of its own interests.

MR. PATRICK M'HUGH

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the remedy of the tenants?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND

To sue for the recovery of the costs:

MR. J. C. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the County Court judge of Limerick has not had cases of this kind, and—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order; notice must be given of that Question.