§ MR. SHEEHAN (Cork County, Mid.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the tenants on the Neligan Estate, at Blarney, County Cork, have been, for the past three years paying the Estates Commissioners interest on their purchase money at the rate of 4 per cent. per annum, and that payment at this rate of interest is almost equivalent to their former rent; and, in the circumstances and considering the hardships inflicted on them whilst compelled to remain in their present position, will steps be taken to have this estate inspected forthwith and the vesting orders made in the case of these tenants.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The purchase agreements on this estate were lodged in May, 1906. By these agreements the tenants undertook to pay interest in lieu of rent at 4 per cent. on the agreed price until the holdings are vested in them, and the Estates Commissioners are bound by statute to 1374 collect the interest and pay it over to the owner. The property will be inspected in its proper order of priority.