MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if the Congested Districts Board were in possession of the figures of gross and net rental of Lord Dillon's estate when they made the purchase; if not, on what basis was the price arrived at, and can the figures be now given.
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURAs already stated, the Congested Districts Board were in possession of figures as to the gross and net rental of the holdings on this estate when they approved of its purchase. The gross rental is about £20,500, but I do not feel at liberty to state the net rental without consulting the Board.
MR. T. M. HEALYThat is the whole point of the question. The right hon. Gentleman has had a week's notice of it.
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURThe Board has not met for a week. Personally, I see no objection to stating the net rental. But I must first consult the Board.
MR. T. M. HEALYHow can the taxpayers know whether they are getting value for money? No answer was given.