§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON (Lanarkshire, N.W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can inform the House how many grazing farms have been surrendered since 25th May, and of these how many have been surrendered owing to pressure from the United Irish League; whether all the farms on the Caheroyan lands are now unoccupied; and whether this land is shortly to be sold to the Estates Commissioners.
§ MR. BIRRELLAs regards the first part of the Question, I would refer to my Answer to the right hon. Member for South Dublin on 30th May.† I am informed that the grazing farms on the Caheroyan estate are now unoccupied. The Estates Commissioners have had the estate inspected, and have entered into negotiations with the object of purchasing it. The negotiations are pending.
MR. CHARLESCRAIGWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is intended to prohibit the Estates Commissioners from granting holdings on these farms to any persons arrested for intimidation?
† (4) Debates, clxxv., 92.
§ MR. BIRRELLThat is a matter I have already replied to in answer to former Questions.
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGWhat is the meaning of the statement of Lord Crewe in another place?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The hon. Member must know that that is irregular.
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGSurely, Sir, when a member of the Government in one place makes a statement, and another member of the Government in the other place makes another statement diametrically opposed to it, we are entitled to an explanation?
§ * MR. SPEAKERDifferences of expression continually occur, not only as between members of the Government in the two Houses, but also in this House.