§ MR. M. J. FLAVIN (Kerry, N)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) if he is aware that the tenants on the Fitzgerald Estate, situate at Ballydonoghue, Tarbert, County Kerry, petitioned the Court for their usual reduction of rent, and that a communication was sent by the receiver, in reply to the petition, refusing to grant the reduction of rent asked for, on the ground that the tenants have their lands in grass; (2) whether he is aware that a great portion of their holdings is under meadowing and tillage, and that reductions were granted prior to 1896; and (3) whether, owing to the year 1896 being most disastrous to tenant farmers in produce and price, steps will be taken to make inquiries into the condition of these tenants with a view to give them a reduction in their rent as heretofore?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI am informed that the statements in the first paragraph are substantially correct. I have no information regarding the second paragraph; and as to the third paragraph; my communication in the matter should be addressed to the Department of the Land Judge.