§ Mr. DELANYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners had received resolutions from the tenants of uneconomic holdings adjoining the untenanted land of Turfarney, in the Queen's County, on the estate of the late Arthur J. Owen, also a letter from the parish priest, the Very Reverend Canon Brennan, requesting them to communicate with the vendors with a view of purchasing the farm mentioned for division amongst the holders of uneconomic farms in the locality; whether the Commissioners were aware that the vendors, in order to deprive the small holders of their rights under the Act of 1903, had sold the farm to an 11 months' man, representing it to be a tenanted holding, although it was in the occupation of the late owner and let for grazing up to his death a few years ago; and could he say whether the Estates Commissioners were prepared to sanction an advance in this case; and, if so, for what amount?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners have received the resolution and letter referred to. The lands in question are situate on the estate of William Dobson and James S. S. Mowbray, trustees of Elizabeth Owen, deceased, and an agreement for the purchase of 141 acres thereof signed by Arthur J. Owen has been lodged. The estate cannot be dealt with by the Commissioners for a considerable time.