HC Deb 01 June 1905 vol 147 cc446-7
MR. MURPHY (Kerry, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether a number of the agricultural tenants of Lord Ardilaun, at Killarney, have been prevented by the landlord from purchasing their holdings, though the largest portion of the estate (which was at the time owned by the late Mr. Herbert, of Muckross) was sold to the tenants; and if the Estates Commissioners have received any communications from Lord Ardilaun or his representatives as to a sale of the unsold portion.

MR. WALTER LONG

This estate has not come before the Commissioners. They have received no communication from Lord Ardilaun on the subject, and have no knowledge of the statements made in the Question.

MR. MURPHY

I am personally aware of the facts. Can the right hon. Gentleman do nothing to compel Lord Ardilaun to sell?

MR. WALTER LONG

As the estate is not before the Commissioners, obviously the Executive Government cannot compel a landlord to deal with his property if he does not choose to do so.

MR. MURPHY

His deer are eating the tenants' crops and he will neither sell nor give them protection.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Why not shoot the deer and eat them?

MR. ROCHE

I will go down there.