HC Deb 17 February 1902 vol 103 cc201-2
MR. J. P. FARRELL

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of the Thompson tenants in Clonfin, Co. Longford, who in the year 1897 entered into agreements for purchasing their holdings with a Mr. J. A. O'Sullivan, 27, Chancery Lane, London, acting on behalf of the landlords; whether he is aware that, at Mr. O'Sullivan's request, the tenants transmitted to him several payments on account of alleged legal expenses; whether he is aware that on 12th May, 1898, the Scottish Union and National Insurance Company issued a circular to the tenants, stating that Mr. O'Sullivan had no right to enter into any agreements for said sale, and such agreements would not be sanctioned by them; whether any of these agreements were ever lodged with the Land Commission; and, if so, can he explain the delay in proceeding with the sale; whether, seeing that this solicitor was subsequently adjudicated bankrupt, will he take steps to bring the solicitor's conduct to the notice of the proper authorities.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. ATKINSON, Londonderry, N.)

No proceedings for the purchase of this estate have been taken in this matter to the Land Commission. If Mr. O'Sullivan has been guilty of any professional misconduct, the parties aggrieved should communicate with the Incorporated Law Society of England if he be an English solicitor, and with the corresponding Society of Ireland if he be an Irish solicitor. If they allege that he has been guilty of any crime, they should communicate with the police, and make information before a magistrate. I have no further information on the matter mentioned, nor power to interfere in them at the present stage.

MR. J. P. FARRELL

Has the right hon. Gentleman inquired into this case at all? He has not answered one single part of the Question on the Paper.

MR. ATKINSON

The hon. Member fails to understand that this is a matter affecting a private individual with whom the law officers of the Crown have at present no right to interfere.

MR. J. P. FARRELL

But surely the tenants have a right to complain of the action of the Department?

MR. ATKINSON

It is not the action of the Department. No proceedings have been taken by the Department whatever.