§ MR. M'CARTANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a large number of farms along the sea coast in the Downpatrick Union of County Down were valued at a time when these farms were enhanced in value by the quantities of seaweed which had been then used in connection with the kelp industry, and whether he is aware that there is no kelp interest within the Downpatrick Union now; and whether, seeing that the rates and cases have been applied to the old valuation, and not to the judicial rents which in many cases have been fixed at sums under half the gross poor law valuation, he will consider the desirability of having a new revaluation made, 1305 particularly within the districts of Ardglass and Killough.
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURNo addition to the value of land along the coast line of the Downpatrick Union was made by reason of the kelp industry. In some cases, however, a small percentage was added for seaweed used as manure. With regard to the suggested revaluation of the two districts mentioned, obviously this could only be done under a general scheme for the revision of the valuation for rating purposes of the whole of Ireland, and on this point I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question of the hon. Member for South Leitrim of the 14th February, 1898.✶