§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Commissioners of Public Works are slow and have refused in most cases to grant a loan in cases where the vesting orders have not been issued by the Land Commission to the tenants; and, in view of the anxiety of tenant farmers throughout Ireland to improve their holdings by means of building hay sheds, etc., will some steps be taken whereby an agreement can be reached and the loan granted pending the issue of the vesting orders, and in the cases where any arrears of rent were due at the date of purchase, as it would seem that such cause is the chief obstacle to granting loans, will the rigid rule adopted heretofore be withdrawn?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for South-East Cork on the 18th March last.