§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLINI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, (1) whether he has considered and determined upon the representations made last month by deputation and correspondence from the Belfast Borough Council and others to delay proceeding with the hearing of appeals against the new general valuation of the city of Belfast, (2) is he aware that some of these appeals have been since heard and decided, (3) and that a number of appellants propose to contest before the superior Courts the new principles of establishing the high valuation introduced into procedure in Ireland for the first time, (4) and whether, in view of the fact that the Select Committee on Irish Valuation has recommended a change in the tribunal for hearing appeals from the Commissioner of Valuation, he is prepared to advise that the hearing of these Belfast appeals be deferred until the recommendations of the Select Committee are carried into effect.
§ MR. WYNDHAMI have considered the representations referred to in the Question, but with the exception of that relating to the immediate operation of the 1497 annual revision which is now before the Law Officers I do not find anything in them to justify the postponement of the revaluation. I am aware that appeals to the Superior Courts are in contemplation, but as several cases have already been decided by the Recorder and others are awaiting his decision it is not practicable for me to interfere.
§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLINasked if the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the Belfast County Council had passed a resolution declaring that if the decision were persisted in it would operate injuriously on the citizens?
§ MR. WYNDHAMIf the resolution referred only to the annual revision, that is provided for; if to the larger question, there are two opinions on that.