§ MR. DELANYTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state what is the cause of the delay in the purchase by the Estates Commissioners of the estate of Captain Caldbeck, Ballacolla, Queen's County; can he say if the delay is due solely to a question of price; if he is aware that an attempt is being made to reserve a portion of the untenanted land for certain individuals already in possession of large farms and business houses, and what course the Commissioners will take in this matter.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners inform me that the delay in the purchase proceedings has been due mainly to difficulties with reference to the price. The Commissioners have given permission to the owner to arrange, subject to their approval, for the disposal of about 50 acres of untenanted land immediately surrounding his demesne, so that the amenities 177 of the demesne and mansion house may not be interfered with.