§ MR. JAMES O'KELLYTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether negotiations are 1338 now going on between the Estates Commissioners and the landlords of the farms, Lacken (estate of W. F. B. Handcock) and Tromore (estate of Major Lloyd), both in county Roscommon, for the purchase of the said farms for distribution amongst the holders of non-economic holdings in the neighbourhood; if so, whether he can state when the negotiations are likely to be brought to a close; whether he can state how many other non-residential farms there are in the same district; and what action, if any the Commissioners propose to take with regard to them, in view of the desire which exists on the part of the people to secure possession on fair terms of economical holdings in the locality.
(Answered by Mr. Cherry.) The Estates Commissioners are at present negotiating for the purchase of the estate of W. F. D. Hancock, county Roscommon, including the farm of Lacken, but are not in a position to say when the negotiations are likely to be completed. The Commissioners are unable to identify proceedings in respect of the farm of Tromore referred to in the Question, and are not aware what other non-residential farms may be situated in the district in question. In pursuance of Regulation V. the Commissioners are engaged in making inquiries with the object of acquiring untenanted land throughout the country generally.