§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutentant of Ireland whether he is aware that the owner of the Clonfin Estate, North Longford, is willing to sell to the tenants at twenty-one and a half years purchase of the second-term rents, but is prevented doing so by the Scottish Union Provident Assurance Company, which is the mortgagee in possession of the estate; and, if so, whether, in view of the circumstances of this estate, he will direct the attention of the Estates Commissioners to the case of these tenants, with a view to their negotiating for the purchase and resale to the tenants.
§ THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. ATKINSON,Londonderry, N.)No application has been made to the Estates Commissioners in respect of this estate. Should such an application be made they will be prepared to make inquiries into the circumstances of the estate with a view to purchase.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLThe hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of the Question.
§ ME. ATKINSONUntil an application has been received the Estates Commissioners have no power to institute an inquisitorial inquiry.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLThe tenants cannot make application without the consent of the landlords.