§ MR. FFRENCHTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the agent on the Faithley estate, South Wexford, is using the arrears of rent to deter tenants from entering the Land Court; whether he is aware that, in the case of a tenant named P. Bowe, who served an originating notice and who owed only £11 arrears, the agent has threatened proceedings for the recovery of £150; and whether he can, by legislation or otherwise, do anything to protect tenants in the exercise of their legal rights.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Land Commission are unable to identify the case of P. Bowe as one which has come before them. The mere fact that arrears of rent are due does not preclude a tenant from applying to have a fair rent fixed by the Court.