§ Mr. DELANYasked the Chief Secretary the cause of delay in issuing vesting orders in the case of the tenants on the Cappaloughlin and Clonard, Queen's 1878W County, estate, of the Commissioners of Education; and, in view of the fact that the agreements have been lodged more than five years ago, and that the tenants are paying 4 per cent. interest in lieu of rent, will he see that their farms are transferred to them with the least possible delay?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThis estate is being sold direct by the owners to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and is on the principal register of direct sales. The purchase agreements were lodged in June, 1907. It will be dealt with in order of priority, but having regard to the claims of other properties, the Estates Commissioners are not at present in a position to say when it will be reached. Meanwhile the tenants are bound to pay the interest in lieu of rent which they contracted to pay in their purchase agreements.
§ Mr. LUNDONasked if the untenanted lands on the Lord Massy estate, at Castle-cormell, are in the hands of the Estates Commissioners; and how soon may they be distributed?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on 1st August last, to which I have nothing to add at present.
§ Mr. LUNDONalso asked what is the cause of delay in completion of sale in the Shiels estate, at Cahirconlish, county Limerick; when were purchase agreements lodged; and how soon will proceedings be brought to a close?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe estate is the subject of proceedings for sale under the Land Purchase Acts direct by the owner to the tenants. The purchase agreements were lodged in December, 1906. It is on the principal register of direct sales, and will be dealt with in order of priority, but the Estates Commissioners are not at present in a position to say when it will be reached.