§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Wexford, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if the Estates Commissioners have recently been able to acquire a considerable tract of land in. 347 county Wexford with a view to a further settlement of the question of the evicted tenants in that county; and if he can state when the Commissioners expect to be able to proceed to the distribution of the land.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Estates Commissioners inform me that, in addition to 1,744 acres of untenanted land in this county already purchased, they have agreed to purchase some 1,900 acres, schemes for the distribution of which are in course of preparation. They are also negotiating the purchase of additional untenanted land in the county, amounting to over 1,000 acres, of which they cannot obtain possession before November next.