§ CAPTAIN CRAIG (Down, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how much of the £1,635,207 available by the Estates Commissioners on the 16th February last to meet sales under the Irish Land Act of 1903 has been paid out in part settlement of the £31,033,776 estimated as being required to meet sales in hand on that date; whether the balance, if any,. is bearing interest; and, if so, what rate.
§ MR. BIRRELLI am informed that the amount remaining available for advances on 20th instant was estimated to be £371,628. The investment of balances is a matter for the National' Debt Commissioners, and I understand. 57 that my hon. friend the Secretary to the Treasury has answered Questions on the subject within the past day or two.
§ CAPTAIN CRAIGCan the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is that, with so many estates wanting settlement, so large a balance is retained in hand?
§ MR. BIRRELLI should like notice of that.