§ Mr. SHEEHANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in the case of future tenants who, under the provisions of the present Land Bill, will be allowed to enter court to have fair rents fixed, buildings and all other improvements will be presumed to belong to or to have been effected by the tenant unless the landlord can specifically prove the contrary; and, if any doubt exists on this point, will he introduce a special clause dealing with the matter?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The presumption as regards the ownership of improvements in the case of future tenants, who under the provisions of the Irish Land Bill will be allowed to have fair rents fixed, will be the same as in the case of present tenants under the existing law. The general presumption is in favour of the tenant, but there are some exceptions. There is no necessity for any new clause on the subject.