§ Mr. VINCENT KENNEDYasked what are the names and areas of the various denominations of untenanted land in county Cavan which have been acquired by the Estates Commissioners since 1st November, 1907, and the average price paid per acre; and will he fully state the names and areas of the various denominations of such lands in county Cavan in reference to which negotiations are at present pending?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners have strongly urged upon me the view that to prepare lists such as the hon. Member asks for would occupy a considerable number of their staff and divert them from other and more important duties, and that it might not be fair to intending vendors to publish the fact that they have entered into negotiations. For these reasons I am not in a position to add anything to my reply to the non-oral question on the same subject asked by him on the 6th instant.
§ Mr. VINCENT KENNEDYIs it not the fact that similar particulars with regard to another county were given recently in answer to a question in this House; that it would not take more than five or ten minutes' work on the part of the staff of the Estates Commissioners to give the information asked for, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman, at any rate, supply me with the average price paid per acre?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIt is a fact that somewhat unfortunately an answer was given in the case of another county, but it does not seem to me a desirable plan to follow as it causes a great deal of trouble to the Estates Commissioners. I really must appeal to hon. Members not to put this great burden on the staff of the office.
§ Mr. VINCENT KENNEDYCannot the right hon. Gentleman give the average price paid per acre?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will get an answer to that.