HC Deb 01 April 1909 vol 3 cc474-5
Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the decision of the Estates Commissioners to enforce on Widow Early, of the Chapman estate, Westmeath, a disputed agreement, and to inquire into her case afterwards was peculiar to that case, or in accordance with their usual practice; and whether he would propose any amendment to the Land Bill restricting Commissioners' discretion in such cases?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Estates Commissioners have not come to the decision attributed to them in the question? As I have already stated, in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member on 9th March, the Commissioners will inquire into this woman's case when the estate is being inspected in its order of priority.

Mr. GINNELL

Are not the Estates Commissioners, as a matter of fact, enforcing this agreement by proceeding against this woman for the money?

Mr. BIRRELL

No; they have not come to any decision on the question.