§ MR. LEA (Londonderry, S.)I beg to give Notice that on the earliest possible day next Session I will move for a
Select Committee to inquire into the terms under which the London Companies became possessed of their Estates in Ireland, and of their right to dispose of such Estates without any regard to the original terms of their Charters.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)In view of the Notice just given by my hon. Friend, I wish to ask the Chief Secretary whether he will consider if it is possible to prevent any further sale of these estates until the whole question has been inquired into?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I doubt whether it is in my power—in fact, I am sure it is not my duty—to regulate the action of the Land Commissioners in a matter of this kind. I have no information which would lead me to think there are any negotiations going on between the remaining Companies and their tenants.