§ MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the last published Report of the Estates Commissioners; and whether in view of the important points of policy dealt with therein, and the difference of opinion among the Commissioners, any opportunity will be given to this House, during the Autumn Sitting, of discussing the Report.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) My attention has been called to the Report in question. The Government are not aware that any necessity exists for a discussion of the contents of the Report during the present sittings, which are intended for bringing to completion the legislative business of the year. Any Question regarding the business of the House had better lie addressed to my right hon. friend the Prime Minister.
§ MR. LONSDALETo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord - Lieutenant of Ireland whether it was in consequence of special instructions issued by himself or with his authority, that the Estates Commissioners, in their Report upon the working of the Land Act of 1903, for the year ending 31st March, 1906, have expressed their views on questions of price and security in such a way as to discourage sales and create dissatisfaction in the minds of those who have already purchased their farms.
(Answered by Mr. Bruce.) The Answer is in the negative, and I may add that, so 400 far as my information goes, there is no foundation for the suggestion that sales have been discouraged or dissatisfaction created among tenant-purchasers as the result of the Estates Commissioners' Report.