§ MR. SEXTONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, in or about the year 1888, James Hearn, of Lisfennel, Dungarvan, a tenant then under notice of eviction, purchased his holding under the Ashbourne Acts at such a price that an annuity of £90 was payable to the State in respect of the purchase money; that about two years after, the tenant purchaser was evicted for non-payment of an instalment; that the Land Commission, having failed to sell the holding, let it to graziers from year to year for three years at an annual loss; and that the farm is now let to a tenant at £56 a year; and what notice has been taken of the action of the valuer who reported that a farm now let for £50 a year was adequate security to the State for an advance involving an annuity of £90?
MR. J. MORLEYThe facts are generally as stated in the first paragraph of the question of my hon. Friend, except that in the past year the grazing rent of £59—not £56—was received in respect of the farm. At the present moment there is, I understand, an offer before the Commissioners for the purchase of the holding subject to the provisions of an annuity of £90, provided the Commissioners expend a sum not exceeding £90 in restoring the buildings on the farm to their former condition. I do not think it is desirable I should say any more, as proceedings are pending.