§ MR. WILLIAM O'BRIENI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether the effect of his announcement that the forthcoming Irish Land Bill contemplates a revision of the financial arrangements under the Purchase Act of 1903 as from 1st November last is not to suspend land purchase in Ireland until the Bill specifying the new arrangements becomes law; and has he yet been able to ascertain whether there is any reasonable probability of the Bill being passed into law this year.
§ MR. ASQUITHMy right hon. friend the Chief Secretary informs me that since the 1st instant the rate at which purchase agreements have been lodged is still considerably above the normal 890 rate. So far, therefore, there has been no such result as the hon. Member seems to have anticipated. As regards the probability of the Bill becoming law this year, I am afraid that I cannot add anything to my former replies.
§ MR. WILLIAM O'BRIENWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly tell us how negotiations are to be carried on for fresh purchases before either landlords or tenants know the new conditions of purchase; and whether or not it is the case that agreements made after 1st November will be subject to the same regulations as if entered into before the new conditions are published?
§ MR. ASQUITHMy right hon. friend will make a full statement on the subject next Monday, and I will ask the hon. Gentleman to wait till then, when all the points he has raised will be adequately met.
§ MR. WILLIAM O'BRIENHas any step been taken, such as has been taken on the education question, to see if there is any possibility of bringing about a friendly agreement on the subject?
§ MR. ASQUITHI am afraid I cannot answer that.