§ Mr. WILLIAM ABRAHAM (Cork)asked whether the Chief Secretary was aware that with regard to the proposed reinstatement of Mr. William Bulman in his former holding on the estate of Mrs. Sarah Hyde, Ballindangan, county Cork, the Estates Commissioners were informed that the owner accepted the estimated price offered by them for the holding; and whether the delay in the completion of the sale and purchase and consequent reinstatement of Mr. Bulman was caused by the refusal of the owner or her agent, Mr. William Rochfort, to carry out the original arrangement for the acquisition of the holding in question on voluntary lines; and what steps do the Commissioners now intend to take in this matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe lands in question cannot be acquired by the Estates Commissioners under the Evicted Tenants Act as the eviction took place since the passing of the Irish Land Act, 1903. The former tenant can, therefore, only be reinstated by agreement for purchase and sale under the Act of 1903 between him and the owner. No such agreement has yet been lodged, although the owner has expressed her willingness to sell at the price.
§ Mr. WILLIAM ABRAHAMIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the agent will not take any further proceedings until the Land Bill is passed, and, if that be so, can the Estates Commissioners not take Bulman's case into consideration with a view to his reinstatement?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not think that the circumstances referred to could be usefully brought to the attention of the Commissioners.