§ Mr. FLYNNasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners, in considering the sale of the estate of Sir George Colthurst, Rathcoole, county Cork, and the sub-tenants concerned, have taken into account the case of Mr. John Buckley, who had a holding of over 10½ acres, and John Leary, who holds a tenancy of one acre three roods, and other sub-tenants; and under what circum- 2277 stances they have debarred these subtenants from purchasing their holdings, in view of the fact that the vendor and the direct tenants consented to the sale of these holdings?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The Estates Commissioners, in dealing with this estate, considered the cases of these two sub-tenants. The Commissioners did not, however, make any declaration under the provisions of Section (15) of the Irish Land Act, 1903, that these sub-tenants should be deemed to be tenants of the plots held by them, and the entire holding was accordingly vested in the direct tenant. If the parties are now disposed to apply for the sub-division of the holding and the apportionment of the annuity the Commissioners will be prepared to give their application favourable consideration.
§ Mr. FLYNNIn a case of this kind, where a man has a holding of the fairly considerable size of 10½ acres, is he to be excluded from the benefit of a scheme of land purchase where all parties concerned are agreeable to his inclusion?
§ Mr. BIRRELLOf course, I cannot answer why it was that the Estates Commissioners in this case decided to vest the property in the tenant without regard to the sub-tenants, but I gather they are perfectly ready now to consider the question.