Mr. JOHN PHILIPSasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, now that the Fetherston property at Ardagh, county Longford, is sold to the tenants, will he take effective measures to vest the old ruins of St. Mels Cathedral, founded in the fifth century by St. Patrick, in the custody of the Longford County Council, in view of its proper preservation in the future, as it is one of the oldest ruins in Ireland?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that the ruins in question, which are vested in the Representative Church Body, are not included in the sale which is now pending. The provisions of the Irish Land Act, 1903, with respect to the preservation of ancient monuments do not, therefore, apply.