HC Deb 04 May 1909 vol 4 cc902-3
Mr. DELANY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland can he say what is the amount of the purchase money proposed to be advanced to Joseph Mole, whose agreement for purchase of the lands of Lyrogue, on the Hopkins estate, Errill, Ballybrophy, Queen's County, was lodged on 1st August, 1905; whether the Estates Commissioners have approved of the sale; whether Mole was an 11 months' grazier of this farm up to April, 1905; and is he aware that a claim has been put forward on behalf of several occupiers of uneconomic holdings in the locality for an allotment of a portion of Lyrogue farm to enlarge their holdings; and can he say what course the Commissioners propose adopting in the matter?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Estates Commissioners inform me that Mole has entered into an agreement with the owner to purchase the farm in question for £3,275, but they have not decided what advance, if any, they will make to him. The Commissioners do not know how the lands were held before April, 1905.

Mr. DELANY

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether if this sale happened it would deprive the small holders of their rights to this grazing ranch?

Mr. BIRRELL

Really I cannot interfere in every matter with the action of the Estates Commissioners; but I will inquire into it.