§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have vet sanctioned the sale of the Marshall Estate, near Kanturk, county Cork; and, if so, has the transaction been yet completed; are the Commissioners aware that the tenants were led to believe that four per cent, interest on the purchase money was to be charged for the first half-year after signing the agreements, and 3½ per cent. subsequently until the completion of the transaction; and whether, in view of the delay caused by no default of the tenants, the latter can be held liable to pay more than the ordinary 33½ per cent. interest.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Estates Commissioners inform me that the advances in this ease have been sanctioned but not yet made. The completion of the matter has been stayed pending a question which has arisen as to the redemption of a Board of Works loan. The rate of interest on the purchase money is set out in the agreements for sale signed by the tenants at four per cent, per annum from the date of the agreement up to the date of the advance. 166 The Commissioners have no knowledge of any arrangement as to subsequent reducduction, and must collect interest in lieu of rent at the rate agreed upon between the tenants and their landlord, as set out in the purchase agreements.