§ MR. GINNELLTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is now in a position to say what the Government propose to do in the cases of Messrs. Featherston, Gradwell, and Wilson, who have not answered the inquiry of the Estates Commissioners regarding their untenanted lands in Westmeath; and what steps, if any, arc being taken to provide for the people who have petitioned to be allowed to become purchasers of portions of those lands.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell) The Estates Commissioners inform me that, as regards the estates of Messrs. Richard Gradwell and Wilson, the owners have not expressed their willingness to sell the untenanted land. The Commissioners have no power to compel these owners to sell. It is presumed that the third case to which the hon. Member means to refer is that of 341 General Richard Fetherstonhaugh. This gentleman has furnished particulars of 667 acres of untenanted land which he is willing to sell, and the Commissioners will have the land inspected in due course.