§ MR. O'DOWD (Sligo, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware of the fact that what is commonly known in Ireland as a hanging gale, comprising a half-year's rent, is claimed by the landlords as being due to them out of all agricultural holdings; but demanded only when the tenants are entering court to have fair rents fixed; and whether, in any future legislation affecting the relations of landlord and tenant in Ireland, the advisability of having this hanging gale abolished will be considered.
§ MR. WYNDHAMA hanging gale is a debt due to the landlord by the tenant which the latter gets six months or more to pay after it has become due. This indulgence is given to tenants on many estates in Ireland, but I have no means of ascertaining whether it is demanded when the tenant enters the courts as suggested. I am unable to promise any legislation to deprive a creditor of his debt because he has given time in this way to the debtor.
§ MR. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases the landlord issues the writs within fourteen days of the current gale becoming due?
§ [No answer was returned.]