Dr. O'NEILLasked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that the tenants on the Bell estate, near Crossmaglen, county Armagh, signed agreements to purchase their holdings five and a-half years ago, and that no further steps have since been taken in the matter; and if he can say when money can be advanced to complete the purchase?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member presumably refers to the estate of the trustees of Thomas P. Ball, county Armagh. This estate is the subject of proceedings for sale direct by the landlord to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903. The purchase agreements were lodged in July, 1907, and the estate will be dealt with in order of priority on the principal register of direct sales (all cash), but the Commissioners are not at present in a position to say when it will be reached.