§ MR. BIGGARasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, 1419 On what grounds the Board of Works have delayed making advances to a large number of farmers in North Leitrim who have paid the preliminary expenses and fulfilled the necessary conditions to entitle them to receive loans under the Land Act of 1881.
§ MR. COURTNEYSir, I have inquired into the condition of the applications for loans to occupiers in County Leitrim, and learn that, except in one case, there has been no excess over the time found to be normally required for making the necessary surveys, plans, and estimates, and for giving the notices required by law. That single case involved two holdings on different properties; and the proposed works were more complicated than usual, which accounts for the longer time which has been occupied in dealing with it. The preliminary expenses, being met by deduction from the first instalment, cannot be paid before an advance has been made.