§ MR. HAZLETON (Galway, N)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in the case of the estate of Charles D. O'Rorke, near Tuam, county Galway, for twenty-five years in the Land Court, he is aware that the tenants made an offer to purchase twelve months ago, and that they increased their offer by one year's purchase at the request of the receiver; and, if so, can he state the reason why the tenants have had no further information on the subject of the sale for the past year.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I have no information as to any negotiations between the tenants and the receiver. The Estates Commissioners, however, inform me that they are negotiating for the purchase of the estate, which comprises some 1,200 acres in the occupation of 61 tenants and about 700 acres of untenanted land, and is for sale in the Land Judge's Court. On the 21st February last a conditional offer was made to the Land Judge, but on the 842 22nd March last the Commissioners were informed by the Land Judge's Registrar that their offer for the untenanted portion of the estate was considered below its value, and the Commissioners were asked to reconsider their Estimate. The matter will be duly reconsidered by the Commissioners.