The Purchase of Land (Ireland) Act, 1885, generally known as Lord Ashbourne's Act

Abstract

Notwithstanding that a Royal Commission is now sitting to examine into the working of this measure, it may be useful for the purpose of drawing forth public opinion, that our society should discuss some of the questions which its operations have raised. The acquisition of the land by the occupier has now been removed out of party debate, as all sides desire its accomplishment. The fundamental idea in Lord Ashbourne's Act appears to be voluntary sale and voluntary purchase. A landlord under it is not to be compelled to sell unless he likes, and at whatever price he likes; and similarly, a tenant cannot be compelled to purchase, unless he thinks it is his interest to do so, The Act is at present the best available machinery for carrying out sales to tenants by loans from the government; and I propose to touch upon some points in which the Act might possibly be usefully amended, without changing its essential principle of voluntary sale, unless my proposal for the compulsory sale of head-rents and incumbrances may be regarded as a departure from it.