HC Deb 25 May 1909 vol 5 cc1027-8
Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he would state the ground upon which Colonel Smythe, of Barbavilla, Westmeath, had refused to sell the Riggs evicted and untenanted farm on his estate to the Estates Commissioners for the re-instatement of the evicted family?

Mr. CHERRY

I regret that I cannot add anything to the information which my right hon. Friend has given in reply to the previous question about this case, asked by the hon. Member on 15th May, 1908.

Mr. GINNELL

In view of the fact that the Chief Secretary has never answered this simple inquiry, will either he or the Attorney-General answer the question or not?

Mr. CHERRY

It is not possible for the Government to obtain reasons from a landlord who is unwilling to sell. He is entitled to refuse to give any reasons.

Mr. GINNELL

Has not the landlord stated his reasons to the Commissioners?

Mr. CHERRY

I am not aware that he has. I do not know what he has stated.