MR. M'COVERNI beg to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland is he aware that the Morley Estate in the County of Cavan was purchased on the 21st November, 1901, by Messrs. John-stone & Saunders, two land agents, for about eight and a half years purchase of the gross rents; that a notice was issued on the 23rd November, by a Mr. Hatte, purporting to be signed by Lord Morley, and sent to the tenants, to the effect that the estate had been sold by Lord Morley to a Mr. Crookenden and a Mr. Casey, when, in point of fact, it had been sold to Messrs. Johnstone & Saunders; that Mr. Hatte demanded the arrears due by the tenants to Lord Morley, which they refused to pay; and that these gentlemen, by their agent and others on the 31st December, 1901, and on other dates, sent out notices to the tenants with a view of getting them to pay those arrears of rent; and, seeing that these gentlemen had no right to demand these arrears during the months of December, 1901, or January, 1902, will he direct proceedings to be taken against them for trying to obtain these moneys.
§ The ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. ATKINSON,) Londonderry, N.I have no official knowledge of the matters mentioned in the first paragraph; nor have I any special means of ascertaining the facts. It does not appear that any crime was committed by any person concerned, and the Executive have no power to interfere between debtors and creditors in controversies respecting the civil rights.
§ MR. M'GOVERNHas the right hon. Gentleman made any inquiries whatever into the truth of these statements?
§ MR. ATKINSONNo, Sir.