HC Deb 28 April 1909 vol 4 cc333-5
Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have advanced money for the purchase of the Kellet estate, county Meath; and if any, and what, provision was made for the enlargement of uneconomic holdings on the estate?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the purchase money of portion of this estate has been advanced. As the hon. Member has already been informed the vendors arranged to make 100 acres in their occupation available for distribution, but the smaller occupiers refused to accept the allotments offered to them or to complete the purchase of their holdings.

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Estates Commissioners have given land to two men named Govern and Shalvey on the estate of the trustees of Hussey, Rathkenny, county Meath; if they were occupiers of uneconomic holdings; upon whose recommendation they were allotted holdings; and under what section of the Act of 1903 the Commissioners acted?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the land in question was with their approval sold by the owner under section 2 of the Act of 1903 to these two men, who were tenants on the estate.

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that an evicted tenant named Kate Smyth, of Horistown, Beauparc, county Meath, has applied for reinstatement in her former holding; and will he state what action the Estates Commissioners have taken in her case?

Mr. BIRRELL

An application has been received by the Estates Commissioners from Mrs. Smyth in respect of a holding at Horistown at one time occupied by her husband and now held by another tenant. It was not lodged within the time prescribed by the Evicted Tenants Act, and no action has been taken on it.

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have received any report from an inspector of theirs with regard to the distribution of the balance of untenanted land on the estate of the trustees of Hussey, county Meath; and whether the occupiers of uneconomic holdings in the district may hope to have their claims considered?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have nothing to add to my reply to the question on the same subject asked by the hon. Member on 29th March last.

Mr. WHITE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he gave me no reply on that occasion?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have fortified myself with a copy of that reply, and it was that the residue of these lands was being distributed for small occupiers, and that I was not aware of any alleged dissatisfaction or unrest.