§ MR. CULLINAN (Tipperary, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Land Commission, which recently adjudicated in Tipperary county, raised first-term rents in several cases; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction caused thereby because of the fall in the prices of farm produce and increased cost of production since first-term rents were fixed, he will ask the Commissioners to explain on what basis they arrived at their decisions.
MR. BRYCEThe Land Commission inform me that the answer to the first inquiry is in the affirmative. During the past twelve months, 163 second-term rents were adjudicated upon in Sub-Commission Courts in this County. In 143 of these cases the first-term rents were reduced; in ten cases they were confirmed, and in ten cases they were raised. As I have already explained in other cases, the decisions of Sub-Commission Courts are judicial decisions, and the remedy for any dissatisfaction which may exist is to be found in the right of appeal provided by law. I may, however, add that, as I am informed, the prices of produce and the cost of production are considered by the Commissioners in arriving at their decision.
§ MR. CULLINANWill the right hon. Gentleman ask the Commissioners for the grounds of their decision?
MR. BRYCENo, they are a judicial body, and I have no right to call on them to explain their decisions.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYIs it intended to keep them in office as a judicial body after March 31st next?
§ [No answer was returned.]