HC Deb 29 March 1906 vol 154 cc1548-50
MR. DELANY (Queen's County, Ossory)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the estate of Captain Caldbeck, Ballacolla, Queen's County, is before the Estates Commissioners for sale; and, if so, whether regard will be had, in the distribution of the untenanted land, to the requirements of the small holders and labourers in the locality, who have memorialised the Commissioners in the matter.

MR. BRYCE

The Estates Commissioners inform me that proceedings for the sale of this estate have been instituted before them, and that their inspector has been directed to report upon the estate. The memorial which has been received will be duly considered when the question?of distributing the untenanted land is being dealt with by the Commissioners.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

Is there anything in the Act of 1903 or in the regulations to prevent the Estates Commissioners entering into negotiations with the new tenants? Have they not power to provide them with holdings else where, or even to buy out their interest?

MR. BRYCE

I am advised there is nothing in the Act which empowers them to take that course, or to negotiate directly with the tenants

MR. KILBRIDE (Kildare, S)

Is there anything in the Act which prohibits them doing so?

MR. BRYCE

I do not think there is. But in the construction of an Act of Parliament we have to consider what the intention of Parliament was.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that during the discussions on the Bill in the House it was repeatedly stated by the right hon.?Gentleman the Member for Dover, the then Chief Secretary, that the Estates Commissioners would have the power of buying out the interests of the new tenants?

MR. BRYCE

The reports of the debates are not before me, and my attention has not been drawn to this point. But it is clearly a question of the construction of the Act. I cannot give a legal opinion.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

I will call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the passages in the debate to which I have referred.