§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what is the number of future tenants in county Kerry who were in occupation of their farms at the passage of the Act of 1881, but have been made future tenants since; how many of those are at present paying the old rents fixed before 1881; whether, in view of the fact that landlords of such tenants are pressing for high rents with a view to compel them to buy their holdings at impossible prices, steps will be taken to amend the law so as to enable such tenants to have their rents fixed by the Court.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThere is no official information on any of the matters referred to in the Question. I have stated that the Government does not propose to introduce further legislation affecting the fixing of rents. It is competent to a tenant of this class to purchase under the Act of 1903, and the 1418 Commissioners before making an advance must be satisfied as to the security of the holding.
§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the landlords in Kerry are availing themselves of this opportunity to compel the tenants to purchase at exorbitant rates, and that some are being sued for a fourth gale because they will not consent to extravagant terms?
§ MR. WYNDHAMpointed out that any bargains entered into under duress would be subject to inspection by the Commissioners.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)What alternative have these tenants to consenting?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That does not arise out of the Question.
§ MR. FLAVINNo, but it is a part.