HC Deb 28 May 1908 vol 189 cc1277-8
MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have made any further inquiries into the circumstances of the estate of Mr. Leader, D.L., Dromagh, county Cork; are they aware that there are about 2,000 acres of untenanted land, mainly in grass, available under the provisions of the Land Purchase Acts for the settlement of evicted tenants, the enlargement of uneconomic holdings, and suitable allotments for deserving labourers; and what steps the Commissioners propose to take in the matter. † Scottish Bills (Deputations Expenses).—Return of Expenses of Deputations to London from all bodies in Scotland administering public funds in connection with A. Public Bills; B. Private Bills; C. the management of their administrative work, during each of the last five years, specifying town councils, county councils, parish councils, school boards, water trusts, gas commissions, educational trusts, and dock and harbour boards, &c.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. BIRRELL,) Bristol, N.

The estate in question has not yet been inspected, but the Estates Commissioners anticipate that their inspector will be able to visit the estate within the next two or three months, when he will be directed to inquire into the matters to which the hon. Member refers.

MR. FLYNN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the Estates Commissioners have information to the effect that this landlord is willing to consider the advisability of selling these untenanted lands, but complains that the money for some he sold three years ago is not yet forthcoming?

MR. BIRRELL

I know there is a great deal of delay in getting the money, and of course estates have to be dealt with in their order of priority.