§ MR. T. L. CORBETTTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that negotiations are in progress for the purchase from the War Office of the castle at Roscrea, King's County, for use as a bacon factory, and that this building dates from the time of King John, and possesses features of historical interest; whether he is aware that, owing to the imperfect drainage of Roscrea, the establishment of a bacon factory in the centre of the town would be likely to give rise to a dangerous nuisance; and whether, on antiquarian and sanitary grounds, he will take steps to prevent this project being carried out.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am informed that there are two ancient castles at Roscrea, one founded in 1213 by King John, and the other in 1281 by Edmund Butler, afterwards Earl of Carrick. The Question appears to refer to the latter castle, which is now the property of the War Department and is in good preserva- 826 tion. I am informed by my right hon. friend the Secretary of State for War that certain persons interested in the establishment of a bacon factory at Roscrea have approached the War Office with a view to the purchase of a portion of the premises, and it has been decided to put the premises, exclusive of the castle, up for sale by public auction subject to conditions as regards access to and preservation of the castle. It will therefore be seen that there is no danger that the castle itself will be used as a bacon factory, and every care will be taken that the castle shall not suffer. If a bacon factory should be established in Roscrea, any question of sanitation which might possibly arise in connection with it would be a matter for the local authorities to deal with.