§ MR. CHARLES CRAIGTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a farm 1085 named Ardnadooman, near Loughrea, lately in the possession of James Palmer, has recently been taken forcible possession of by the tenants of surrounding farms, and that this farm was formerly in the possession of Mrs. W. Duffy, who was evicted from it twenty years ago; will he say whether any application has been received by the Estates Commissioners from any person claiming to be entitled to be reinstated on this farm, either as the tenant or representative of the tenant; what is the name of the person so claiming; and what course have the Estates Commissioners decided to adopt in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The police authorities inform me that for some time past the people in the neighbourhood of Ardnadooman farm have been making use of the farm by driving cattle and sheep on to it for grazing purposes. Mr. Palmer has taken no proceedings of any kind against the owners of the trespassing cattle. The Estates Commissioners understand that these lands were at one time in the possession of a Mr. William M. A. Duffy, who was evicted from them. An application has been received by the Commissioners from the hon. Member for South Galway for restoration as representative of the evicted tenant, but the Commissioners have decided to take no action thereon.