§ MR. LUNDON (Limerick, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland is he aware that for some time past the landlord on the Coote property and the landlords on the Dicken property outside the town of Kilmallock, in the county Limerick, have been arranging for the sale of those properties to their tenants; is he aware that on both estates there are some 300 acres of untenanted lands; and will he instruct the Estates Commissioners to purchase 343 those lands for division among the poorer town tenants in Kilmallock, as in the case of the Cahirconlish tenants, and for a few evicted tenants, should such be in the locality.
MR. BRYCEThe Estates Commissioners inform me that proceedings for sale in respect of the two estates mentioned have been instituted before them, but the 300 acres of untenanted land referred to do not appear to be included in the sale. The Commissioners, however, will have inquiries made upon the subject of the untenanted land.
§ MR. LUNDONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, can he say how matters stand as to sale and purchase between the landlord and tenants on the Stafford Delmege property around Knocklong and Glenbrohane, county Limerick; is he aware that on that property there are between 200 and 300 acres of untenanted lands which might be brought into requisition for the benefit of labourers, poor farmers, and evicted tenants; and will he see that as soon as may be convenient the Estates] Commissioners put themselves in communication with the landlord or the agents of the estate, the Messrs. Sanders, of Charleville. county Cork, so as to purchase these untenanted lands in the interest of the landless people of the locality.
MR. BRYCEThe Estates Commissioners inform me that an orginating application for the sale of portion of the Stafford Delmege Estate has been lodged with them, and the estate will shortly be inspected. The untenanted land referred to in the Question does not appear to be included in the sale, but the Commissioners will communicate with the landlord's agents on the subject.
§ MR. LUNDONI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, can he say whether the Commissioners have sent an inspector to see after the claims for reinstatement to their holdings of John M'Grath and Thomas Barry on the Cooper property at Knocklong, county Limerick, where negotiations for sale and purchase are in progress between landlord and tenants; is he aware that a Mr. Hatte is making a claim for compensation as a planter 344 while in reality he is only clerk in the office of the agents, the Messrs. Sanders; and will he cause inquiry to be made of Mr. P. Magner, rate collector of Kilfinane, whether it was Miss Cooper, the landlady, or Mr. Hatte who paid him the rates for the evicted farms.
MR. BRYCEThe Estates Commissioners inform me that the documents relating to the two cases referred to have been sent to their inspector who has been directed to inquire into the cases. The Commissioners will ask their inspector when dealing with the cases to inquire into the circumstances alleged in the Question.