Abstract

The Report of Lord Cowper's Commission

The Royal Commission on the Irish Land Laws, presided over by Lord Cowper, has presented its report to the Parliament. The fall in prices during the last two, as compared with the preceding four, years is stated to be 18.5 percent. This, in conjunction with unfavorable seasons, has so impaired the farmers' ability to pay rent that an immediate revision of judicial rents is recommended. The Commission proposes the following changes in the law as regards rents: first, the revision of rents every five years, instead of fifteen; the revision to be effected according to the general average of prices which have ruled during the five years preceding the revision, as compared with the average of prices for the five years before them. Second, the admission of leaseholders to the land courts to have fair rents fixed. And third, the admission of town park occupiers, exclusive of those who hold less than five acres, of pasture farms up to pound 100 value.