§ MR. MCVEIGH (Donegal, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the attention of the Estates Commissioners has been called to the eviction of William Lapsley, of St. Johnston, East Donegal, who was evicted from his farm many years ago from the Duke of Abercorn's estate, on the ground that his farm was wanted for improvement purposes; and whether, seeing that no improvements have since been made, but the farm has been let from time to time for grazing to different men, and that the present occupant has been only four years in possession, the Commissioners, now that the estate is about to be sold, will instruct their inspector to inquire into Lapsley's case, and, if it was found that he was vindictively evicted, whether they will decline to sanction the purchase until he is reinstated in his farm or compensated for the loss of it.
*MR. BRYCEThe Estates Commissioners inform me that their attention has not been called to the eviction of William Lapsley, and they have no knowledge of the facts alleged in the Question. The Commissioners have received no application for reinstatement from Lapsley, but they will duly consider any such application which may be lodged with them.