HC Deb 30 June 1903 vol 124 cc928-9
MR. GILHOOLY (Cork Co., W.)

I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the fact that the agent to the Clinton Estate is in treaty with the Lords of the Admiralty for the sale of the farm from which Cornelius Murphy, of Millcove, Castletown, Berehaven, has been evicted; whether he is aware that the rent of said farm was £36 5s., while the Poor Law valuation was £22; and whether, in view of the fact that in the Bill now before Parliament provision is made for the restoration of evicted tenants, he will postpone the purchase of the farm until the Land Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.

THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. PRETYMAN,) Suffolk, Woodbridge

The Admiralty are in treaty for the farm referred to in the hon. Member's Question, but the details of any dispute between the owner and the late tenant are not within their knowledge. They cannot suspend the negotiations for purchase, as it is necessary to obtain possession of the land at an early date. The evicted tenant could not in any case be reinstated, as the farm will be utilised for naval purposes.

MR. GILHOOLY

Will the money be paid to the tenant?

MR. PRETYMAN

I imagine that any dispute between landlord and tenant as to the allocation of the money would be settled quite irrespective of the sum paid by the Admiralty under the law as it now stands.

MR. GILHOOLY

I will draw attention to this matter on the Navy Estimates.