HC Deb 30 August 1909 vol 10 cc23-4
Mr. HAYDEN

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the lands of Willsgrove, in the county of Roscom- mon, which have been in the possession of the Congested Districts Board for the past three years, are now about to be divided without reference to the needs of the occupiers of uneconomic buildings in the locality, in the face of an understanding which existed that no scheme for the distribution of these lands would be carried out until the passage of the Land Bill into law, in order that the increased powers of the Congested Districts Board should be used for the benefit of small occupiers in the district; and whether the Congested Districts Board will suspend this scheme until these powers will enable them to carry out a distribution equitable to the people of the district?

Mr. CHERRY

The hon. Members appears to have been misinformed. The lands of Willsgrove are not being divided by the Congested Districts Board without reference to the needs of uneconomic holdings in the neighbourhood. On the contrary, the Board are awaiting the passage into law of the Bill now before the House for the purpose of extending their powers, and in anticipation of obtaining such powers all holdings under £10 rateable value adjacent to the lands acquired have been mapped and land for their enlargement has been reserved.