HC Deb 26 July 1909 vol 8 cc849-50
Mr. LUNDON

asked the Chief Secretary for what reason the Estates Commissioners have refused to reinstate Michael Power, of Mohane, Herbertstown, county Limerick, in his former holding, considering the fact that the person now in possession has expressed his willingness to give up the evicted farm, provided he will get a farm elsewhere; and will the Commissioners, in the interests of all concerned, and for the peace and goodwill of the locality, reconsider their decision and reinstate Power in the holding which, previous to his eviction, was in the possession of his family for nearly two centuries?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Estates Commissioners cannot reconsider their decision not to provide the present occupier of Power's former holding with another farm. As I have already informed the hon. Member, in reply to a question asked by him on the 7th instant, the Commissioners propose to allot Power a farm on untenanted land in the district for which they are in negotiation.

Mr. P. J. O'SHAUGHNESSY

Will the right hon. Gentleman state on what ground was the information refused having regard to the fact that the person in occupation is willing to give it up provided he gets an equivalent farm elsewhere; and also having regard to the fact that the landlord and his agent are anxious that Power should get back the farm from which he was evicted?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Estates Commissioners have very carefully considered this case and they have concluded that it is not desirable to do what the hon. Member wants.

Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

In the interests of peace and in the public interest is it not desirable that the man who was originally evicted should get back on this farm, and is it not also a fact that there is nothing in the way of accomplishing this except the Estates Commissioners; and, having regard to this fact, may I ask if the Commissioners would again reopen this case with the object I have stated?

Mr. BIRRELL

I will recall the Estates Commissioners' attention to this case, although they have already considered it twice.