§ Mr. JOHN MURPHYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say what use the Congested Districts Board intend to make of the farms of Cragg and Ardcrone, county Kerry, now in their possession; and if he can give any date at which the lands will be used for any other purpose than letting to graziers, as has now been done for several years?
§ Mr. CHERRYAs the hon. Member has already been informed in reply to a question asked by him on the 14th May last, the Congested Districts Board purchased these lands for the relief of congestion. The Board are not at present in a position to fix a date at which they can utilise the lands for that purpose, and meanwhile they are used for grazing the stock of neighbouring farmers at a fixed price per head?
§ Mr. MURPHYMay I ask if these farms have been idle for five years, and whether anything is proposed to be done to put an end to the scandal of haying land acquired for the relief of congestion used by graziers and large farmers?
§ Mr. CHERRYI am not aware how long they have been in the possession of the Board, but I do not think that the Board will keep them longer than actually necessary. Pending the disposal of the land by the Board, it is necessary that some use should be made of the land.
§ Mr. CHARLES CRAIGWhat is delaying the division of these lands amongst the congested tenants?
§ Mr. CHERRYI really do not know, but if the hon. Gentleman will put down a question on the paper I will inquire.