§ MR. LONSDALETo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the making of voluntary purchase agreements under the Irish Land Act, 1903, cannot proceed while the future conditions of land purchase are in doubt; and whether, having regard to the practical impossibility of passing into law a large and comprehensive Land Bill without months of delay, he intends to submit any proposals for avoiding the complete stoppage of land-purchase operations.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) Purchase agreements are still being lodged at considerably above the average rate. For the proposals of the Government I must ask the hon. Member to await the introduction of the Irish Land Bill, which I hope will take place on Monday next.