§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Limerick, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say on what grounds the Estates Commissioners refuse to entertain the case of James Murphy, of Croughteeri, near Feenagh, in the County of Limerick, who was evicted from his small holding by Deane Shelton, of Rossmore, for non-payment of rent.
§ MR. CHERRYThe Estates Commissioners, in the exercise of the discre- 1676 tion vested in them by Parliament, have declined, after due inquiry, to take any action upon the application in question, and they cannot undertake to state the reasons which actuate them in the exercise of such discretion.
§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYWas not this poor man evicted for non-payment of rent? Why is a distinction drawn in his case?
§ MR. CHERRYI really cannot say. There are a great many cases of people evicted for non-payment of rent and only a small proportion can be dealt with by the Estates Commissioners.
§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYCan the right hon. Gentleman not hold out some hope to this poor man that if he cannot be reinstated he shall be given another holding?
§ MR. CHERRYThe hon. Member can lay his case before the Estates Commissioners.
§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYI have done so.
§ MR. CHERRYI should not like to interfere with their discretion.