§ MR. GINNELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state what it is that prevents the making of provision for evicted tenants in Westmeath, untenanted land being abundant there; how many owners of untenanted land in that county have been asked by the Commissioners to sell it; how many have given favourable replies; and can he say now, after three years working of the Land Act of 1903, when evicted tenants may expect to benefit under that Act.
MR. BRYCEThe Estates Commissioners inform me that inquiries as to untenanted land in county Westmeath are in progress. Eighteen owners of such land have been asked whether they would be prepared to sell. Of these, three have replied in the affirmative, and the Commissioners have directed an inspection; eight have stated that they are not willing to sell the lands to the 770 Commissioners; and replies have not yet been received by the Commissioners in the remaining seven cases.