§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDY (Cavan, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state the average number of Land Commission annuitants sued twice yearly for their annuities; and whether he would issue instructions that proceedings be only taken once a year, with a view to avoiding legal costs by the present double proceedings, or if the necessary legislation to deal with the matter will be introduced.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am informed by the Land Commission that it would not. be possible to answer the first inquiry without an elaborate investigation, which would occupy a considerable time. Every new purchaser is informed that if the half-yearly instalment of the annuity is not paid within fourteen days he will become liable to immediate proceedings, and that under no circumstances can an extension of time for payment be granted. Prompt payment of the half-yearly instalment is necessary, in order to provide for the payment of the half-yearly dividends on the stock created for the purpose of making advances for land purchase. The Answer to the final inquiry is, therefore, in the negative.