MR, JOHN O'DONNELLTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether applications have been received by the Estates Commissioners from two clerks engaged in the office of Mr. Ruttledge, agent to Lord Clanmorris, named Goode and Black, for an advance of money to enable them to purchase portions of the grazing ranches on the Clanmorris Estate, now in the hands of the Estates Commissioners; and, if so, how much has been applied for by each; and whether any will be granted, in view of the fact that they, are neither bona fide tenant farmers nor the sons of tenant farmers who could come under the Act of 1903; and whether an inquiry will be instituted into the claims of these gentlemen and the dates on which they got small portions of land from estate bailiffs, and the manner in which these portions were obtained, before steps are taken to make grants in their favour.
(Answered by Mr. Atkinson.) The question of the proposed allotment of parcels of land to the persons named is under consideration, and will be fully inquired into.