§ MR. GINNELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many lay sub-commissioners are now in the service of the Irish Land Commission; how many of them have had practical experience as rent-paying farmers, depending entirely or mainly upon the profits of that occupation for their living; and, if any, will he state the number of years of such ex- 380 perience previous to appointment as sub-commissioners.
MR. BRYCEFifty-six lay assistant commissioners are at present in office. The Land Commissioners inform me that they have no information as to how many of these have had practical experience as rent-paying farmers depending entirely or mainly upon the profits of that occupation for their living. A Return which was presented pursuant to an Order of the House in 1902 (No. 151) sets forth certain particulars in respect of each assistant commissioner then in office, and all those who are now serving are included in that Return. The Return shows, among other particulars, the acreage of land farmed by each assistant commissioner prior to his appointment and whether he held as owner or tenant.
§ MR. KILBRIDE (Kildare, S.)Will the Return show the profits made by the sub-commissioners?
§ MR. KILBRIDEThey could give it, but they would not care to.
§ MR. LONSDALEHas any complaint been made as to the action of these Commissioners?