§ MR. FFRENCHI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Irish Board of Works refuse to lend money to farmers to carry out improvements where they have made their bargain with the landlord, and paying him a certain percentage on the purchase money, except on the old title; will he explain why the Board of Works refuse to advance money on the tenant's new title; and what is the objection where tenants have purchased within the zones or the bargain sanctioned by the Estates Commissioners.
§ MR. RUNCIMANLoans to tenants purchasing, under the Act of 1903, are not refused by the Board of Works pending completion of sale, provided the tenants can produce receipts for rent showing that, in the event of the sale from any cause falling through, they would not be liable for more than twelve months rent—an arrear of a year's rent being a barrier to a tenant's loan. Purchasing tenants cannot however be treated as owners, until the fee simple of their holdings has been legally transferred to them by the issue of the Land Commission Vesting Order.