HC Deb 17 February 1908 vol 184 cc449-50
MR. J. MURPHY (Kerry, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state what steps the Estates Commissioners have taken to effect the reinstatement of the evicted tenants on the Kenmare estate, county Kerry, and when there is likely to be any result of their action.

MR. CHERRY

The Estates Commissioners have inquired into the cases of evicted tenants from the Kenmare estate, and are informed that three have recently been restored and six others will probably be restored by the landlord. In two cases the evicted holdings are stated to have been added to the landlord's demesne, and in eight cases the holdings are occupied by new tenants. In these cases the Commissioners are considering the possibility of providing holdings for the evicted tenants elsewhere.

MR. J. MURPHY

Have not the Estates Commissioners power to negotiate with grabbers with a view to reinstating evicted tenants?

MR. CHERRY

I think they have the power, but it is a very difficult thing to do.

MR. J. MURPHY

No, it is very easy. Will the right hon. Gentleman represent its practicability to the Commissioners?

MR. CHERRY

The Commissioners are most anxious to restore, evicted tenants as far as possible, and I think it is much better not to interfere with them.