§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, if he can say what is the average reduction in rents given by the Sub-Commissioners since the passing of the Land Act, 1903, in the county of Limerick; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst the farmers with regard to their decisions; and what are the qualifications of Mr. Croasdale, who fixed such rents.
MR. BRYCEThe hon. Member will find full statistics as to the reduction of rents in the appendices to the Annual Reports of the Land Commission. The average will be gathered from these appendices more easily than from any Answer I could give here. The last such Report bears the number Cd. 2648, of 1905. Mr. Croasdale's qualifications are stated in Parliamentary Paper No. Cd. 151, of 1902.
§ MR. DELANY (Queen's County Ossory)Is not this gentleman's sole qualification for the post to be found in the fact that he is a landlord's son and a major in the militia?
§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the matter?
MR. BRYCEThe whole subject of the Assistant Commissioners will come before me when the new appointments have to be made.