§ MR. FLYNNI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have yet taken any definite steps towards acquiring untenanted lands in the county of Cork, with a view to the restoration of evicted tenants, the enlargement of uneconomic holdings, and the acquisition of labourers' plots, under the provisions of the Act of 1903, and the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907; how many inspectors are now engaged in the county inquiring into the cases of evicted tenants seeking reinstatement; and whether the Commissioners intend, in regard to the appointment of inspectors, to send them into districts the needs and circumstances of which they have already inquired into.
§ MR. CHERRYThe Estates Commissioners have been making inquiries in County Cork as elsewhere with the object of acquiring untenanted land. Nine inspectors and assistant inspectors are at present engaged in the province of Munster in dealing with the cases of evicted tenants and the acquisition of untenanted land. These inspectors are employed in the particular county or district in that province in which their services are most needed for the time being.
§ MR. FLYNNThe Chief Secretary sometime ago promised to communicate with the Estates Commissioners with a view to having the inspectors retained in the districts with which they have some acquaintance, instead of being shifted about from one locality to another. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of that, and has it been done?
§ MR. CHERRYI am not aware of it, but I am sure my right hon. friend will fulfil any promise he has made. As 1763 a matter of fact, I do not know if the inspectors are shifted about or not.