§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a growing practice on the part of landlords in Ireland of threatening tenants with legal proceedings in the shape of issuing writs from the superior Courts for the recovery of all rents due, including the hanging gales (which in most cases accrued many years ago), with the object of putting pressure on tenants to enter into purchase agreements on the basis of exorbitant terms; and whether the Government will introduce legislation with a view to secure that such legal proceedings shall, where necessary, be instituted in the County Courts instead of in the superior Courts.
MR. BRYCEThe Estates Commissioners inform me that, while they believe that such cases as are described have occurred, they have no evidence that the practice is increasing. If the Commissioners should have proof that the purchasing tenant in any case has been induced by undue pressure to sign the purchase agreement, they will take such action as they may deem necessary.