§ MR. PATRICK WHITETo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have agreed to purchase the estate of R. B. Balfour, situate at Rathkenny, Slane, county Meath; whether James Gore has applied to be reinstated on the farm on this estate from which he was evicted, and if it is intended to give him the whole of his former holding; and, if not, will he say why it is not to be done.
(Answered by Mr. Cherry.) The Estates Commissioners have been in negotiation with Mr. R. B. Balfour for the purchase of the farm referred to in the Question, and the owner has intimated that he is prepared to accept their price. James Gore has applied to be reinstated in the farm, which comprises about 200 acres. The Commissioners, however, do not intend to give him the whole farm, as it is considered that it would be too large for him. The matter is at present under consideration.