HC Deb 23 September 1909 vol 11 cc616-7
Mr. JAMES O'CONNOR

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland if Earl Fitzwilliam has sold to a middleman named Minion a farm in the occupation of Patrick Condren, a sub-tenant; if so, was Condren afforded any opportunity, either by the landlord or by the Estates Commissioners, of purchasing his holding; whether Condren's portion of the land is yet vested in Minion; and, if so, can he say under what Section of the Act of 1903 has Condren's farm been given to the middleman Minion?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the owner entered into an agreement to sell to Minion the farm of 152 acres which he held as a tenant. The purchase money has been advanced, and the holding was vested in Minion in April, 1908, under Section 5 of the Irish Land Act, 1903. Condren holds three acres, three roods of the holding as a sub-tenant.

Mr. KILBRIDE

May I ask whether Condren got any opportunity of purchasing his small holding, and whether, when the representation was made to the Estates Commissioners, it included all the names of all the tenants, and whether Condren was represented as a sub-tenant to Minion?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

I am not aware of the precise facts suggested by the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. JOHN MURPHY

Would the hon. Gentleman say if the sub-tenant who has a holding separate, and with a separate rent, is entitled to purchase; and, that being so, will he ask the Estates Commissioners to take care all those sub-tenants should not be passed over?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

As regards the matter raised by the hon. Member, Section 50 of the Act says that the Estates Commissioners have the right to do so, and sell to a sub-tenant by declaring his holding a separate holding. There is no obligation on them to do so. The discretion is left with the Estates Commissioners.

Mr. MURPHY

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Estates Commissioners to give particular attention to the case of those subtenants, and allow them to exercise the right of purchase as well as the larger tenants?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

You may be sure the Estates Commissioners follow the proper course in the matter.