§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Congested Districts Board are willing to buy the Rae estate, Keel, county Kerry, and, if so, what is the cause of the delay; whether 57 he is aware that the agent, Mr. Huggard, has stated that he will never allow the estate to be purchased by the Board; and whether any steps will be taken to give the Congested Districts Board compulsory powers to deal with the urgent needs of congested districts, especially where landlords and agents adopt an irreconcilable attitude.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Congested Districts Board made an offer for the purchase of this estate in November, 1904, but their offer was declined by the owners. The Board have no knowledge of the statement attributed to Mr. Huggard. I am not at present prepared to make any statement on the subject of compulsory purchase.