HC Deb 22 February 1898 vol 53 c1345
MR. W. H. K. REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, (1) if he can state how many decrees Lord Leconfleld's agent obtained against his tenantry in Clare at the last January Sessions; (2) is he aware that, in cases where the tenants had paid their rent before they received the processes, they were proceeded against by the agent for the costs, and that in some cases these tenants were receiving outdoor relief at the time they were proceeded against for rent; and (3) whether some steps can be taken to protect tenants in districts where considerable distress prevails?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I understand that 66 decrees were obtained against tenants on the estate referred to at the last Kilrush and Ennis Sessions. I have no knowledge of the matters alleged in the second paragraph, and no effective means of obtaining the information. The meaning of the third paragraph is not quite clear; the hon. Member is, of course, aware that the Executive cannot interpose any obstacle to the issue or execution of County Court decrees.