§ MR. FETHERSTONHAUGH (Fermanagh, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that when maps in connection with the sale of an estate are lodged with the Estates Commissioners, and the owner in the course of the sale requires to inspect them, the Commissioners will not return them or allow tracings to be taken by the solicitors for the owner, but charge £4 or £5 for supplying tracings; is not such charge contrary to Rule 45 of the Land Commission Rules of October, 1903; and whether he will suggest that greater facilities for the return or inspection of maps pending sale should be afforded.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners inform me that they cannot allow original maps to be taken out of the office after the property to which they relate has been inspected and the maps certified by their staff. Prior to such inspection, maps are continually allowed to be taken out. Every facility is given to solicitors who wish to take tracings, and no such charge as that mentioned in the Question has been made for supplying tracings. If solicitors require copies of the estate maps, they are supplied at the customary rates. The supplying of such copies does not come within the meaning of Rule 45 referred to.