§ MR. GINNELL (Westmeath, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that ability to make the most of property for the benefit of owners and money lenders is the sole qualification required in the appointment of receivers over estates for sale in the Land Judge's Court; that prices to be advanced by the State are now commonly fixed on the recommendations of these men, without any independent inquiry on behalf of either purchasers or State; and, if so, can he see his way to imposing competent inspection in all cases of sale.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. BIRRELL,) Bristol, N.The Question is based on a misapprehension of the facts. In the case of estates for sale in the Land Judge's Court an inspection of the tenant's holding is made by the Land Commission in every case in which the tenant applies for an advance for the purchase of his holding. The Land Commission have full power to make or refuse the advance applied for, or to sanction an advance of less amount. The Land Judge informs me that it is not the case that the prices to be advanced are fixed on the recommendations of the receivers, and he entirely repudiates the suggestion contained in the first part of the Question.
§ MR. FLAVINWhere a tenant buys within the zones and has no stock on the land, what means have the Estates Commissioners of ascertaining what security there is for the advance?
§ MR. BIRRELLI must ask for notice of that Question.