§ MR. CULLINANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state how many landlords in South Tipperary, having evicted farms on their own hands, have been approached by the Estates Commissioners with the object of purchase; in how many cases they have succeeded; in how many cases they have failed, and why; how many evicted farms are in the hands of grabbers; and how many have been similarly approached, and with what result.
MR. BRYCEThe Estates Commissioners inform me that five landowners in county Tipperary have been approached by them on behalf of evicted tenants, and their replies are awaited. In one case the owner has stated his willingness to permit an inspector to visit the lands for the purpose of inquiring into the particular case, and the lands will be inspected in due course. It is believed that there are about 129 farms now occupied in county Tipperary, from which the former holders were at some time or other evicted. The Estates Commissioners are, however, not empowered to approach tenants in the actual occupation of holdings.
§ MR. CULLINANMay I ask if in any single case a landlord has accepted an offer by the Commissioners?