§ Mr. T. M. HEALYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he would now say whether even in a single case since the Land Act of 1909 passed an originating agreement to purchase had been lodged?
§ Mr. BIRRELLSince 3rd December, 1909 (the date of the passing of the Irish Land Act, 1909), eleven originating applications in respect of estates which are being sold direct by landlords to tenants, and nine originating requests in respect of estates proposed to be sold to 1616 the Commisioners under Section 6 of the Act of 1903 have been lodged with the Estates Commissioners. The number of purchase agreements in direct sales lodged since 3rd December is 161.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYWill the right hon. Gentleman tell me how many of these tenants are affected?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe number of purchase agreements and direct sales is 161. That is the minimum number. How many more are affected I do not know.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYHow many tenants will that affect?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know. I say that 161 purchase agreements have been lodged by the tenants.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYCould the right hon. Gentleman say whether those agreements had been lodged under former Acts and had been relodged?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, sir; the explanation I have received from the Estates Commissioners is as to the number of estates and actual purchase agreements lodged since the Act came into operation.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYIs there nobody to give us the names of the landlords and the tenants in respect of which it is alleged these agreements are lodged?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know what the hon. Member means by "alleged." I will endeavour to obtain the further information he seeks.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYI did not in the least mean to suggest anything to offend the right hon. Gentleman, but I do not trust the Land Commissioners.