CAPTAIN CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the amount of money at present in the hands of the Estates Commissioners to meet sales under the 1903 Land Act, and the total amount of sales at present in their hands awaiting payment in which title has been proved and in which title has not been proved but agreements have been signed by landlords and tenants.
§ MR. BIRRELLThis Question appears to be based upon a misapprehension. The Estates Commissioners do not hold in their own hands the funds for making advances, but they draw upon the National Debt Commissioners each week for such sums as are required to meet all cases which are ripe for advances. In the latter part of the Question it seems to be assumed that advances can be made as soon as title has been proved, but this is not the case. The lands have to be inspected and declared to be an estate, and other necessary proceedings have to be taken before an advance can be made. In the case of direct sales from landlords 1375 to tenants the amount applied for but not yet advanced is about £41,000,000.
CAPTAIN CRAIGHow much is in the hands of the National Debt Commissioners for this particular purpose?
§ MR. BIRRELLThe National Debt Commissioners have at present sufficient in their hands to meet the demands made upon them week by week.
§ MR. BIRRELLNo.
§ MR. BIRRELLI cannot say.
§ MR. MOOREIs there any limit imposed on the Estates Commissioners as to the amount they can draw every week?
§ MR. BIRRELLNo, Sir.