MR. HUNTEB (Aberdeen, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, How much of the £5,000,000 authorised to be issued by "The Purchase of Land (Ireland) Act, 1885," has been advanced by the Irish Land Commission; and, if the balance of the £5,000,000 is exhausted before the next Session of Parliament, whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill providing money for further advances under that Act in the next Session of Parliament?
§ THE CHIEF SECBETABY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)I find that, down to the 13th instant, loans under the Purchase Act amounting to £1,778,858 have been applied for; £1,163,451 have been sanctioned; and £518,885 actually issued. This is so far satisfactory; but it scarcely affords sufficient grounds for arriving at the conclusion that the whole of the £5,000,000 will have been exhausted before the next Session arrives. Should the fact, however, prove otherwise, and the Act work satisfactorily, as we hope it will, that will be a subject which will occupy the early attention of the Government with a view to any legislation that may be required.