§ Mr. FLYNNasked what is the total amount to date in the hands of the public trustee of the yearly statutory payments of £5,000 to Trinity College, Dublin, with interest thereon, under section 39 of the Irish Land Act, 1903; what amount of land, if any, has been sold by the College authorities under that Act; what amount of redemption money have they received; and whether, in view of the heavy demands upon the Ireland Development Grant, it is proposed to continue these statutory payments indefinitely?
§ Mr. J. H. M. CAMPBELLBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask if it is a fact that at the present moment negotiations are pending between Trinity College and a great many tenants which will result in the near future in extensive sales?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIf the right hon. Gentleman tells me that is so, I am sure it is so, but I have not myself had any communication in regard to it. I am informed by the public trustee that the amount now in his hands, including interest received, after making payments under the section referred to, is £36,605. The amount of land sold by the College under the Irish Land Act, 1903, is altogether 5,478 acres. The amount of redemption money which has been paid for superior interests owned by the College and referred to in sub-section 2 of section 39 of the Act of 1903, which has been paid, is £81,390. No alteration could be made in these payments except by legislation, and it is not proposed to introduce such legislation.