§ MR. J. O'KELLY (Roscommon, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) whether he is aware that an agreement was entered into between Mr. C. M. O'Conor, Mount Druid, Belanagare, Roscommon, and his tenants in the townland of Ballyroddy, Elphin, for the purchase of their holdings two years ago, and that the Commissioners approved of the sale, and sanctioned in the case of one of the tenants an advance of £538; (2) what is the reason of the delay in making the advance; and (3) will he see that this matter shall not be any further prolonged, and the tenants be compelled to pay 1457 interest at the rate of five per cent., and deprived of the advantages which would accrue to them under the purchase?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe agreements in question were lodged in December, 1893, and January, 1894. The remaining facts are as stated in the first paragraph. I am informed that the delay was caused by difficulties which arose on the investigation of the vendor's title. I have no doubt the Land Commissioners will do their best to expedite the proceedings, and I will call their attention to the matter.