§ Mr. IAN MALCOLMI ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the proposed eviction of Robert Bell from his home in Knocklaur, county Clare, on Tuesday next, decided upon by an order of the Congested Districts Board in contravention of their distinct promise, and contrary to the spirit of the Land Act of 1909.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am afraid I cannot accept that as a matter of public importance. It is a matter of considerable importance to the man himself, but it is not a matter of public importance, and does not raise any public principle. The answer of the Chief Secretary to-day put quite a different complexion upon the facts as they appeared upon the Paper.
§ Mr. MALCOLMMight I, with very great respect, point out that the honour of the Congested Districts Board and justice to the individual are really very closely concerned in this matter, and that a short discussion would probably satisfy both one and the other.
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf there had been any promise on the part of the Congested Districts Board that they would not turn this man out, I think a serious occasion would have arisen; but the Chief Secretary, in his reply, distinctly stated that no such promise was intended or given. That is what I mean when I said the answer put a very different complexion upon the matter.
Captain CRAIGMay I point out that what the right hon. Gentleman has said is not correct, and that a definite promise was made to Colonel O'Callaghan Westropp that this man would receive exactly the same treatment, under the Board, as he had received for fourteen years under Colonel O'Callaghan Westropp, so that the Chief Secretary has been misinformed.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am bound to take the official statement.