§ MR. O'DOWDI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of 1050 Ireland whether he is aware that new tenancies have been created in the West of Ireland during the past two years by the selling and letting of grazing farms held by landlords to non-resident graziers and others; and whether, as such a practice is calculated to defeat the aim of the Land Act of 1903, in regard to the enlargement of small holdings in congested districts, steps will be taken by the Estates Commissioners to put an end to it.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe Estates Commissioners have no power to prevent the creation of new tenancies. Section 53 (1) of the Act of 1903, limits advances in cases of tenancies created after 1st January. 1901, to £500, except in non-congested counties, where a larger advance may be sanctioned, subject however, to the general limitations prescribed in the Land Purchase Acts and without prejudice to the wants and circumstances of other persons in the neighbourhood. Section 53 (2) limits advances in cases of Court lettings to £1,000, or in non-congested counties to £2,000.
§ MR. CULLINAN (Tipperary, S.)But have not the Estates Commissioners power to refuse to make any advance under this section where farms are let with this object?
§ MR. WYNDHAMsaid he could not accept that definition of their powers.