§ MR. FFRENCH (Wexford, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will grant the Return standing on this day's Notice Paper dealing with the Land Judge's Court.
§ MR. WYNDHAMAn inquiry was hold some time ago in reference to the advisability of employing temporary assistance to enable an investigation to be made into the special circumstances of every case now pending in court, and after full consideration, the conclusion was arrived at that the cost of such an investigation would be out of all proportion to any advantage that could be derived from it. It is plain, therefore, that the preparation of such a Return as is asked for could not be undertaken by officials on the staff of the Court. I will consider whether some such Return can be arranged for in connection with the Return I have promised in respect of sales to, or sanctioned by, the Estates Commissioners. But, as at present advised, I can give no definite undertaking.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the clerks in the Land Judge's Department are absolutely under notice of dismissal, because there is no work for them?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI am not aware of that.
The following is the Return referred to:—Land Judge's Court. Return showing the number of estates in the Land 401 Judge's Court; the counties in which they are situate; the rents as shown by the last receiver account; the date on which the estates were placed in Court; and what proceedings, if any, had been taken for the sale of those estates.