§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will explain the cause of delay in the matter of the sale of the O'Brien Estate at Gornakelly and Corglass, county Longford; whether he is aware that terms of purchase were agreed on by the tenants' and landlord's representatives in Longford in October last, and that when in January last a tenant named Francis M'Cabe tried to have a fair rent fixed by Judge Curran the case was struck out on the ground that the 423 estate had been sold; and can he state when this matter is likely to be closed.
§ MR. ATKINSONThis estate is administered in the Land Judge's Court. The solicitor having carriage of the sale states that considerable difficulty, inherent to the nature of the property, has been experienced in completing the arrangements for sale. The matter came before the Land Judge on Thursday last, and he expressed himself satisfied that the solicitor is in no way to blame for the delay. I have called for a report in reference to the case of the tenant Francis M'Cabe, but I have not yet received it. I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLWhen may we expect the matter to be completed?
§ MR. ATKINSONI cannot say.