HC Deb 02 March 1896 vol 37 cc1477-8
CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in regard to the deputation from the Munster Agricultural Institute, which recently waited upon him for the purpose of obtaining a money grant in order to establish a new model farm, whether he can state the name of the tenant whose interest it is proposed to purchase for the sum of £1,500; if he can also say how long the tenant has been in occupation of the holding and what sum, if any, was paid by him for the tenant right; and, whether, in the event of a grant being made, the selection of a farm will rest exclusively with the Governors of the Institute; and, if so, will steps be taken to insure that no evicted farm shall be acquired for the purpose indicated?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I have no information in reference to the name of the tenant in question, and do not think any purpose, could be served by making inquiry into the matter at present.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Is it not a fact that the scheme submitted not only contained the acreage and rental of the proposed farm, but also the estimated rates and taxes and cost of stocking the farm, and whether this calculation was purely imaginary?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

replied that he was unable to say.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

In the event of a grant being made for the purpose, in whose hands will the selection rest?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

Primarily in the hands of the Government.