HC Deb 24 June 1901 vol 95 cc1224-5
MR. EDWARD BARRY (Cork County, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a farmer, named Cornelius Sullivan, of Kilnaclasha, on the Reeves Estate, near Skibbereen, has made several ineffectual attempts to dispose of the interest in his farm within the past few years; is he aware of the circumstances which prevent the sale being carried into effect, and will he endeavour to remove any impediment placed by the landlord to prevent the tenant from exercising the right of free sale in the open market.

MR. WYNDHAM

The Government have no power whatever to interfere in the manner suggested.

MR. SHEEHAN (Cork)

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give the number of cases in the West Riding of county Cork in which tenants are similarly placed?

MR. WYNDHAM

I cannot.

MR. EDWARD BARRY

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information as to the difference between the terms arranged by the Land Commission, on which the landlord can exercise his right of pre-emption, and the amount offered to the tenant in the open market?

MR. WYNDHAM

No useful purpose can be served by discussing that subject.

MR. EDWARD BARRY

Is not the amount at which the landlord is allowed to exercise his right of pre-emption less than one-third of the sum offered to the tenant in the open market?

MR. WYNDHAM

I am not prepared to discuss that aspect of the question. As I have said, the Government have no right to interfere.

MR. EDWARD BARRY

It is so, nevertheless.