§ MR. FFRENCH (Wexford, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state up to what amount of purchase money have agreements been lodged in the Land Commission under the Land Purchase Act of 1903 up to March 1st; up to what amount of money have sales actually been completed; how much money has actually been paid to owners on foot of their estates under the Land Act of 1903; what is the balance required to finance the Act; and if the Government propose to make any arrangement to speed sales by providing all the money required for sales which are pending.
(Answered by Mr. Atkinson.) Agreements have been lodged to February 28th for advances amounting to over £16,900,000. Advances have been made to purchasers in receipt of completed sales to the amount of £4,630,000. The amount paid to owners cannot be stated without an investigation which would involve considerable delay; but the amount of purchase money distributed to claimants on estates sold is between £3,500,000 and £4,000,000. My right hon. friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated on 1st instant† that the two issues of stock, amounting to £11,000,000, are expected to yield cash to a total amount of £9,691,421 6s. 8d. All reasonable steps are being taken to
† See page 16.402 complete sales in the cases of agreements already lodged.