§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the local district councils in Ireland have anything to say to the appointment of the arbitrators who award compensation for land taken for the purposes of labourers' cottages; and whether there is any appeal from these awards.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) None of the parties directly interested in proceedings which are referred to arbitration are consulted in respect to the selection of the person appointed to conduct the arbitration. If a district council were consulted the various other parties concerned—namely, the owners and occupiers, would naturally have to be consulted 1026 also. The award of the arbitrator is final and conclusive, except in cases where the sum awarded exceeds £1,000, when it may be appealed against under the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890.