HC Deb 01 April 1909 vol 3 c472
Captain CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he was aware that members of the United Irish League who had been granted holdings by the Congested Districts Boards or the Estates Commissioners, in order to enlarge their farms, were permitted by the United Irish League to let such land for grazing on the 11 months' system, but that no one was permitted to do so who was not a member of the United Irish League; and what steps he proposed to take in the matter?

Mr. BIRRELL

Neither the Estates Commissioners nor the Congested Districts Board have any knowledge of the matter referred to.

Captain CRAIG

If I send the right hon. Gentleman information with regard to a large number of cases, will he take steps to put it down?

Mr. BIRRELL

I shall be very glad to have any information the hon. Gentleman can give me.

Captain CRAIG

But will the right hon. Gentleman put it down if I give the information? It is no good giving information if he does not take any steps in regard to it.

Mr. BIRRELL

I must first form some opinion on the information when I get it.

Mr. KILBRIDE

Will the right hon. Gentleman be careful, because the information he receives from the West of Ireland is not always correct?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am suspicious of a good deal of information which I receive.