§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that an application has recently been made to the Land Commission for an advance on behalf of John Gill, a tenant on the King-Harman (County of Longford) Estate; by what right, when Gill had signed his agreement to purchase his holding at £500, a further sum of £240 in cash was demanded; is he aware that only one year's rent Was due by Gill, which he has since paid; and will he explain how, when an agreement is signed and the necessary affidavits sworn, any further demand can be made upon the tenant.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe question appears to be based on a misapprehension of the facts. The tenant agreed to purchase his holding and some additional land for a sum of £690, of which £550 was to be advanced by the Land Commission, and the balance (£140) paid by the tenant in cash. The agreement was verified by the affidavit of the tenant. A dispute having subsequently arisen as to the terms of the agreement it was dismissed by the Commissioners, and no demand was made by them for payment of the cash portion of the purchase money.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the tenant was not cognisant of the contents of the agreement when he signed it, and did not know he would be called upon to pay £240 in cash in addition to the £500 agreed on?
§ MR. WYNDHAMNo; my information is that the agreement was verified by the tenant's affidavit.