§ MR. J. MACVEAGHTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the agent for the Cope estate, Loughgall, County Armagh, is pressing for payment of the hanging gale those tenants who refused to sign purchase agreements; and whether the attention of the Estates Commissioners will be directed to the fact in order that the circumstances may be considered before the purchase is allowed to be completed.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) When this estate is being inspected, in its proper turn, the Estates Commissioners' inspector will inquire and report as to the reasonableness or otherwise of the action of any tenants who have not signed purchase agreements. The Commissioners have no power to interfere in any legal proceedings which the owner may institute for the recovery of rent due to him.