§ MR. JOHN MORLEY (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the following account of a case mentioned in the last Report of the Irish Land Commissioners as leaving occurred in the County of Louth:—
A purchaser and mortgagor who owed 12 half-yearly instalments was evicted from his farm after all attempts at compromise had failed. The farm was then set up for sale by us, and we were obliged to buy it in as the sale was Boycotted;whether this farm still remains in the hands of the Commissioners; if not, when it was sold, and how much of the price was absorbed in costs, expenses, and payment of caretakers; and, in how many instances the Commissioners have been able to effect sales of a purchaser's interest against his will since their Report?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: The Land Commissioners inform me that directions were given in October last to the Solicitor of the Commission to proceed and attempt to sell the farm in question. Some private negotiations took place, but did not lead to any result. The lands have been advertised for sale by auction, and will be set up for sale in Drogheda on the 395 31st instant. With regard to the last paragraph, the Commissioners have given me no information, and I cannot answer it at present.
§ MR. JOHN MORLEYAm I to understand, then, that the farm in question is still in the hands of the Land Commissioners?
§ COLONEL KING-HARMANYes, Sir. The sale is announced to take place on the 31st.