HC Deb 11 May 1909 vol 4 cc1661-2
Mr. JOHN MURPHY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the Congested Districts Board intend to take any further steps to deal with and relieve the congestion on part of the Kenmare estate, county Kerry; and whether the Board can only be induced to move in the matter when the people in the districts referred to take some vigorous action to expose their condition?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Congested Districts Board do not at present propose to reopen negotiations for the purchase of portion of Lord Kenmare's estate. As I have already informed the hon. Member in reply to his question of 25th November, 1908, the state of the Board's funds will not, until pending legislation is passed, permit of their purchasing any estates beyond those for which they are already in negotiation.

Mr. MURPHY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he can explain how it is that the Congested Districts Board say that they have no funds for the purchase of Kenmare estate, yet at the same time they proceed to puchase Lord Ventry's estate in the same county and the same locality?

Mr. BIRRELL

It is, of course, for the Congested Districts Board to exercise their discretion, having regard to the limited funds at their disposal, as to what estates shall be purchased.