HC Deb 06 September 1909 vol 10 cc896-8
Mr. HOGAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that Mr. Francis A. D. Kenney, to whom £4,000 has been advanced for the purchase of 285 acres at Lismacrory, on the St. George Manseragh estate, county Tipperary, has never been in the occupation of those lands, and that both before and subsequent to purchase those lands have been in the exclusive occupation of Mr. Thomas Kenney, who, having obtained an advance of £3,260 for the purchase of his holdings at Kilcarron and Kilquast, was debarred from further advances; and will he say what steps he proposes taking in the matter?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

I am informed by the Land Commission that the holding of 285 acres referred to in the question was assigned by Thomas Kenney to Francis A. D. Kenney by deed dated 16th April, 1902, and that an advance of £4,000 was made to the latter under the Land Purchase Acts in December, 1902, to enable him to purchase the holding. Francis Kenney is still the registered owner of the holding, and the Land Commission are not aware that Thomas Kenney has any interest in it.

Mr. HOGAN

Thomas Kenney had his land on the 11 months' system. His son never held it, and does not to-day, and it is in the hands of Thomas Kenney.

Mr. BIRRELL

This happened more than seven years ago, and I am afraid I have not those facts before me.

Mr. CULLINAN

In view of the fact that frauds of this description are being systematically practised, will the right hon. Gentleman direct the attention of the Attorney-General, and have inquiries made into this transaction to test its bona fides, and will the right hon. Gentleman direct the special attention of the Attorney-General to these gentlemen who are practising these frauds?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Attorney-General is keeping as sharp a look-out as he can on transactions of this sort. The Estates Commissioners have no reason to suppose in this particular case that there has been any fraud.

Mr. CULLINAN

This is not a matter for the Estates Commissioners. Will the right hon. Gentleman direct the special attention of the Attorney-General to the matter with a view to making full inquiry into the agreement and seeing whether it is genuine or not?

Mr. KILBRIDE

Will inquiry be made as to who it was who made a false report to the Estates Commissioners of a man being the tenant who was not a yearly tenant, and whether that report was made by the landlord, who wanted the money, by the land agent who wanted his percentage on the sale, or by the solicitor?