§ MR. MURPHYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estate of the representatives of R. D. Orpen, of Glenflesk, county Kerry, is before them for sale; if not, whether the Estates Commissioners are aware that the landlord's representatives are willing to sell and the tenants to buy at reasonable prices; whether Messrs. Hogan and Sons, solicitors and land agents, Dublin, have threatened to issue writs against the tenants in order to force them into improper purchases; and whether the Estates Commissioners can take any steps to negotiate a sale or to prevent the tenants being unfairly treated in connection with sale negotiations.
MR. BRYCEThe Estates Commissioners inform me that no proceedings for the sale of the estate in question are pending before them, and they have no knowledge of the facts alleged in the Question. The Commissioners, however, will be prepared to consider whether they can usefully offer their services as conciliators in pursuance of No. VIII. of the Lord-Lieutenant's Regulations, if any application to that effect should be made to them by the persons interested.
§ MR. MURPHYCan the right hon. Gentleman say if the Estates Commissioners will act without receiving any further representations?
MR. BRYCEMy impression is that it is not competent for them to act unless they receive representations.
§ MR. MURPHYOn behalf of the tenants?