HC Deb 06 April 1909 vol 3 cc920-1
Captain CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state under what jurisdiction, statutory or otherwise, the Estates Commissioners acted in awarding a portion of the untenanted land of the Montray estate, county Monaghan, to a man whose only occupation was that of gamekeeper?

Mr. BIRRELL

No portion of the Montray estate was allocated to a person whose only occupation was that of a gamekeeper. The person to whom the question evidently refers was allotted a parcel of land on the Cordner estate, which he had occupied as gamekeeper, giving service in lieu of rent. The Estates Commissioners regarded him as a tenant, and allotted the land to him as such.

Captain CRAIG

Is he an evicted tenant?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes.

Mr. C. C. CRAIG

Under what circumstances was he evicted?

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot say; but the allotment was made at the request of the Land Judge by whom the estate was sold under the Act of 1903.

Captain CRAIG

Under what jurisdiction, statutory or otherwise, did the Estates Commissioners act?

Mr. BIRRELL

He was not allotted the land because he was a gamekeeper, but he was allotted a parcel of land which he had occupied as gamekeeper, giving his services in lieu of rent.