HC Deb 12 May 1898 vol 57 cc1056-7
MR. DALY (Monaghan, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that much dissatisfaction exists among the tenant farmers of Ireland at the state of the Land Acts, which enable landlords to appeal from the decisions of the sub-commissioners without offering any evidence when the tenants are getting fair rents fixed before the Sub-Commissioners' Court; whether he is aware that Mr. Justice Meredith, at Armagh, on Friday last, when hearing Land Court appeals, condemned the action of the Earl of Gosford in not giving evidence before the Sub-Commissioners as being unfair to the tenants, being unfair to the Sub-Commissioners' Court, and being unfair to the Appeal Court; and whether he will advise the Government to cause legislation this Session so as to amend the law that landlords cannot appeal unless they give evidence before the Sub-Commissioners' Court?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am not aware of the matters mentioned in the first and second paragraphs. It is not the intention of the Government to introduce legislation with the object suggested in the third paragraph.

MR. DALY

If I send the right honourable Gentleman a copy of the judge's remarks will he inquire into the matter?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

No, I do not see that I can do anything.

MR. DALY

Then has not the right honourable Gentleman control over the Irish Land Commission?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I have no control whatever over it.