§ MR. O'KELLY (Roscommon, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of James Farrell, tenant on the estate of Mrs. Sarah Flannery at Strokestown, county Roscommon; whether he is aware that Farrell, owing to temporary difficulties, was unable to pay interest on the purchase money of his farm pending the completion of the sale of the estate, that he subsequently offered to pay up arrears and had his offer refused, and that the Estates Commissioners now decline to allow him to complete the purchase; and whether he will ask the Commissioners to reconsider their decision in the case of this man who through loss of stock, was unable to keep to the lette of his contract.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) In this case the tenant's agreement to purchase was dated 30th April, 1904. The tenant paid the first half-year's interest up to 1st November, 1904, but nothing further. The Commissioners took proceedings to recover the interest, but a return of "no goods" was made. Eventually the tenant asked for further time, promising to make payment in June, 1906. When that time arrived, however, he informed the Commissioners that he was unable to pay, and the Commissioners, therefore, after giving him due notice, excluded his holding from the sale. The matter is entirely one for the decision of the Estates Commissioners.