§ MR. CHARLES CRAIG (Antrim, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. John Beirne, having had his cattle driven more than once from his grazing farm at Tonlagee, near Ballinasloe, and after the Estates Commissioners had on 15th November, 1907, informed him that upon inspection they estimated the price of the farm at £3,090, exclusive of bonus, intimated his readiness to sell; that six months afterwards he was informed that the above-mentioned price was inclusive and not exclusive of the bonus, thereby reducing the price by £370; that on 23rd October, 1908, the Estates Commissioners informed him they were only prepared to give him £2,759 for the farm, or a sum of £700 less than the original sum at which they valued the farm; and, whether in view of the prevailing circumstances of the locality, the payment of the sum originally proposed will be made to Mr. Beirne.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary informs me that the cattle have not been driven off this farm, but on one occasion cattle on their way to the farm were dispersed. Owing to a clerical error in the office of the Estates Commissioners the word "exclusive" was used instead of "inclusive" in communicating their estimate of price. The owner's solicitor was informed of the mistake as soon as it was discovered. The correct amount 1873 was stated in the formal offer to purchase, and the Commissioners are not prepared to increase it.