§ MR. MCKEAN (Monaghan, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many applications to fix fair rents on holdings on the Shirley estate have been heard by Messrs. Edge, Smith, and Kyle, or any two of them sitting as a Sub-Commission; in how many of these applications the first term rent was raised or confirmed; what was the average reduction obtained as a result of such applications; what was the average reduction secured on first term rents at second term hearing throughout Ireland; whether the aforementioned Sub-Commissioners are still on the staff of the Land Commission, and, if so, in what capacity; whether any date has been fixed by the Chief Commission for the hearing of the numerous appeals which have been lodged as a result of the decisions of the abovementioned Sub-Commission; and whether arrangements will be made for the hearing of these appeals in Carrickmacross.
* MR. BRYCEThe Land Commission inform me that they do not consider it right that they should discuss the results of the decisions of Sub-Commission Courts for the purpose of replies to Parliamentary Questions. In the particular cases referred to, a considerable number of appeals have been lodged, and the cases are sub judice. These appeals will be taken up, the Commissioners inform me, at the earliest opportunity, having regard to the prior rights of other outstanding appeal cases. They have not told me whether appeals would be heard at Carrickmacross, and there has not been time to repeat this Question to them; but as it is a central place I should think they would, and if the hon. Member wishes, I will convey the suggestion.
§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these Sub-Commissioners are still on the staff of the Land Commission?
§ MR. MCKEANWill the right hon. Gentleman press for it?
* MR. BRYCEI have no power over the Commissioners. I have endeavoured to state what I believe to be their reasons for not giving certain information which the hon. Member asks for.