§ Mr. GINNELLasked how many purchasers under the Land Act of 1903 are now in default with one, two, three, four, and more instalments respectively overdue; against how many of them have legal proceedings been taken; whether the ratepayers have suffered from any of these defaults; and, if so, from how many and to what aggregate amount?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Report of the Irish Land Commission for 1909–10, which will shortly be presented to Parliament, contains a list of payers of annuities under the Land Purchase Acts, who, on 1st July, 1910, were in default in respect of two or more instalments, and gives the nature of the proceedings pending in each case. On 1st July last the arrears in respect of annuities under the Act of 1903 only amounted to £4,588, due by 587 payers, out of a total of £951,388, collectable from 76,048 payers—that is, less than ½ per cent. As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the explanation which I gave in Debate on 24th June, 1909.
§ Mr. GINNELLMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the county councils are furnished with the list of payers of annuities who are in default?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member knows what is done in these cases. They are not furnished with the lists of defaulters because there are several lists which have 2123 ceased to be accurate lists owing to the payment of the arrears. It is not considered desirable to furnish the lists of defaulters.