HC Deb 21 July 1896 vol 43 cc253-4
MR. JAMES ROCHE (Kerry, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) why the sale to the tenants of the Aremberg Chute Estate, Castleisland, Kerry, was not carried out when their offer of £7,502, including tithe and head rent, was accepted by the Land Commission, and the tenants had for some time paid the statutory rate of interest, and consequently regarded themselves as the purchasers; (2) whether he is aware that a sale for a sum of £6,083 for the same property has lately been made to another party, whilst all the tenants are still desirous to complete their contract of purchase; and (3) whether, pending the completion of this last sale, he will cause inquiry to be made into the matter with a view to having the former sale carried out?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

It is not correct to say that the offer of the tenants on this property, to which reference is made, was accepted by the Land Commission. It is the fact, however, that negotiations with a view to purchase were commenced in 1892, but subsequently fell through in consequence of the failure of the parties to comply with certain requisitions issued by the Commission. I believe the property has since been sold to another party, as stated in the second paragraph, but I have no official information as to the amount for which it has been sold.

MR. DENIS KILBRIDE (Galway, N.)

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the failure consisted of?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I don't think I could state off-hand. If the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question, I will endeavour to answer.

MR. KILBRIDE

Did it not consist in the fact that one of the tenants did not come in at the time the other tenants did so! Later on he did come in and did consent.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I rather think that refers to a later date.

MR. MICHAEL FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the tenants in question made their Offers as early as November 1891: that they have been paying rent on the basis of those offers, and that the rents are being accepted? ["Hear, hear!"]

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I believe, Sir, the offers were made; I am not aware of the fact as regards the payments made by the tenants since that time.