§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he was aware that the estate of Sir Jocelyn Gore-Booth, situate in the district of Ballymote, county Sligo, was sold to the tenants in 1904, and vested in the Commissioners in March, 1907; whether he was aware that this estate contained three grazing ranches—namely, Ardrea, Cloona-gashal, and Cletty; whether those farms were inspected by two officials from the Estates Commissioners' office in 1907, who took the names of applicants for holdings, promising them that the ranches would be split up in 1908; whether anything had since been done in the matter of having these farms divided; and, if not, would he explain the cause of the delay?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThis estate was sold direct to the tenants in whom the holdings were vested in March, 1907. The owner has instituted proceedings for the sale of the grazing lands to the Estates Commissioners, who have had the lands inspected. The owner has accepted their offer, and the lands will be acquired by the Commissioners when the requirements of the Statute have been complied with.
§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he was aware that Sir Jocelyn Gore Booth, late owner of the Ballymote Estate, county Sligo, now vested in the Estates Commissioners, expressed his willingness two years ago to sell to his town tenants, through the Commissioners; that the latter at that time agreed to hold an inquiry into the tenancies with the view of perfecting a sale; whether such inquiry had yet been held; and, if not, could he say when it would take place?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThis estate was not sold to the Estates Commissioners, but was sold direct to the tenants. The question of the purchase of the town holdings is under the consideration of the Commissioners.