MR. J. E. ELLISI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what was the total number and area of holdings, the purchase of which was sanctioned by the Land Commission up to 14th February, and the total sum, agreed to be advanced thereon; and what sum in addition to this had been applied for, respecting which no decision had been arrived at up to the same date?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)The Land Commission reports that up to January 31, 1891 (the latest date for which Returns have been prepared), the total advances applied for amounted to £9,620,819. Of this, advances have been provisionally sanctioned amounting to £7,822,014, and advances have been refused amounting to £1,026,152, leaving a sum as to which no decision has been as yet arrived at of £772,653. The Commissioners are unable to state the acreage of the holdings.