§ Mr. SAMUEL YOUNGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the sheriff of county Cavan, in 1910, seized a pig worth £7, the property of Patrick Cooney, Drumbinnis, Bailieboro', county Cavan, for an overdue instalment of rent, and afterwards demanded the same amount, which was paid, under the threat that the Land Commissioners would proceed to sell his small holding; and, if so, what action the Commissioners propose to take in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Land Commission inform me that proceedings were taken against Patrick Cooney for non-payment of a land purchase annuity due by him, and a decree was obtained for the amount of the debt due and the legal costs. As the amount due was not then paid by Cooney the decree was placed in the Sheriff's 989W hands for execution. A pig was seized by him, but it proved insufficient to meet the amount due, with the result that a further demand was made to Cooney for the balance which he paid without the necessity of a further levy. In all such cases, if t he arrears due are not recovered by civil proceedings the Commissioners put the holding up for sale with the view of preventing loss to the ratepayers. The Commissioners do not purpose taking any further action with regard to the matter.