§ Mr. LUNDONasked what is the true value of the decadal reductions in the Ashbourne Act; what amount per cent. is deducted after each decade; has the amount per cent. undergone any change, either up or down, within the last few years, and, if so, what has been the cause of it; and whether the calculations of the Treasury officials were found to be wrong in this matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIn all cases under the Ashbourne Act where no instalments are in arrear at the end of a decade the amount of the decadal reduction is £10 3s. 9d. per cent. This rate has been in operation since the passing of the Land Law (Ireland) Act, 1896. No change has been made in the rate, and there is no reason to suppose that the calculations are incorrect.