HC Deb 30 July 1891 vol 356 cc772-3
MR. LEA (Londonderry, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that the tenants in the Belvill Estate, County Antrim, purchased from Lady Harberton their holdings at 17½ years' purchase in 1887, with an agreement for interest to be paid instead of rent until purchase completed, and the first allowance in accordance therewith made on 1st November, 1887; that the title has been proved and the security satisfactory, and the matter for some time in the hands of the Commissioners; and will he explain what is the reason of the delay, and when will the purchase date from?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

The Land Commissioners report that none of the applications referred to were lodged until October, 1889, and that they have long since been ruled upon as to security and title. I gather from the Commissioners' Report that if there has been any subsequent delay in completing the transactions it does not rest with them.