13. Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state if the Estates Commissioners have yet completed the sale to the tenants of the estate of Mr. John Hart, B.L., of Ballymacramery, Saintfield, county Down, agreements for the purchase of which were entered into in 1906; and, if not, can he give the reason for the delay?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThis estate is the subject of proceedings for sale direct by the vendor to the tenants, and is on the principal register of direct sales (all cash). Having regard to its position on the register, it is estimated that its turn will not be reached for some time.
Captain CRAIGIs it not a fact that the agreements for the sale were all arrived at amicably six years ago, and cannot the 1826 right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope of a settlement being arrived at?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am sure I regret the delay as much as possible. This is an all cash sale, and they come on slower than others. It is most desirable that they should be facilitated as far as possible.