§ MR. FLYNNI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that immediately subsequent to the purchase agreement on the agricultural portion of Pole Carew and Butler Estate, Banteer, county Cork, similar agreements were signed by the inhabitants of the village for the purchase of their houses; and that within the past week an official of the Estates Commission visited the place and informed the village occupiers that their purchase agreements are to be set aside and they must revert to the old terms of tenancy; and, if so, will he say if this inspector has acted with the knowledge and sanction of the Estates Commissioners; and, if so, what explanation can the Commissioners give for not adhering to the purchase system in this case.
§ MR. WALTER LONGThe inspector did not inform the village occupiers referred to that their purchase agreements were to be set aside, but, in the ordinary course, he asked each tenant whether he would be prepared to pay the purchase-money in cash if the Commissioners should decline to sanction the advances applied for. Until the inspector's full report on the estate has been received, the Commissioners will not give a decision in the matter.