§ Mr. VINCENT KENNEDYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant. of Ireland if he will state whether the Estates Commissioners are aware that on the Charles Waring estate the tenants of the townlands of Corodoagh, Drumeva, Pottle-brack, and Drumanespie signed purchase agreements in April, 1905, which were duly filed, undertaking to pay 3¾ per cent. interest in lieu of rent pending the vesting of their holdings; is he aware that the agent assured them that this vesting operation would take place in six months or so from the date of signing their purchase agreements; and, in view of the delay by the owners of this estate in making title, will he direct steps to be taken so as to secure to these tenants the undertaking entered into on the owners' behalf when the tenants were induced to sign their purchase agreements and have them compensated for the heavy extra payments they have had to make owing to the landlord's default.
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners inform me that the purchase money of this estate cannot be advanced or the holdings vested in the purchasing tenants until the vendor's title to sell has been proved. The interest in lieu of rent payable by the tenants is in accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements signed by them. The Commissioners have no knowledge of the assurance alleged to have been given by the agent.
§ Mr. KENNEDYWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in view of the fact that the delay is caused entirely by the landlord, they will refuse to collect the moneys until the landlord makes good his promise?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe delay is occasioned, as I understand, by the unfortunate position of the vendor. That is not his fault, but his misfortune.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs not the delay caused in many cases by the Estates Commissioners?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThat question was discussed at great length the other day, and I cannot go into it now.