HC Deb 20 May 1908 vol 189 cc295-6
MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received particulars of a disturbance upon the estate of the late Earl de Montalt, at Dundrum, Tipperary, on Thursday, when an inspector of the Estates Commissioners attended to divide the land; whether the police had to intervene; what was the cause of the disturbance; and what assurances were given by the representative of the Estates Commissioners to those who objected to the division.

MR. BIRRELL

I am informed that no disturbance took place on the occasion in question. On 14th May the Estates Commissioners' inspector was giving possession to tenant purchasers when a considerable number of men entered upon the land, and their spokesman asked the inspector why the claims of the labourers had been ignored. The inspector replied that the Commissioners had already intimated to the rural district council that they were prepared to provide land for labourers' cottages if the council should so desire. The party then dispersed peaceably, and the inspector proceeded with his work without interference. No assurances were given by the inspector.