§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether negotiations have been in progress between Captain Singleton, owner of the townland of Belpatrick, county Louth, and the Estates Commissioners for the sale of two farms in order that two evicted tenants might be restored thereon; whether the delay which has taken place has prevented Captain Singleton from making grazing holdings of the lands; and if he will arrange that the sale of this small property shall be promptly carried out, in the interests alike of the evicted tenants and the landlord.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners inform me that this matter is under consideration. The owner has lodged an originating request in respect of the property, and the Commissioners will make a formal offer for purchase as soon as the necessary preliminaries have been completed.