§ MR. DUFFYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that agreements to purchase their residential holdings, have been signed by the tenants on the Whyte Blake estate, Holly Park Loughrea; whether the Estates Commissioners have already distributed the untenanted lands of the estate amongst the small holders; whether the tenants on most of the neighbouring estates are similarly circumstanced; and can he state when it is proposed to disband the military garrison stationed in the middle of the estate.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners inform me that the tenanted lands on this estate have been sold by the landlord to the tenants. The offer of the Commissioners for the purchase of the untenanted land has been accepted and a scheme for its allotment is being prepared. There are, however, other circumstances connected with the locality which render the retention of the extra police absolutely necessary. I am not aware of any military garrison in the district.