§ MR. BIGGAR (Cavan, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is true, as reported, that the Irish Land Commissioners have sanctioned the sale by Messrs. Musgrave, of Belfast, of the lands of Fannett, county Donegal, to the tenants at 20 years' purchase; whether it is a fact that the lands are of very inferior quality; whether many of the tenants are on the verge of pauperism; and, whether the Government are going to continue to lend the money of the British taxpayer on such security?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)The Land Commissioners inform me that they have not even provisionally sanctioned any such sales as are here mentioned. Eight applications have been received from tenants of the Messrs. Musgrave; but they have not yet been considered. No doubt the Commissioners will satisfy themselves as to the 269 security before they arrive at any decision.