§ Mr. DELANYasked whether the scheme for distribution of the untenanted land on the Caldbeck estate, Ballacolla, Queen's County, at present under consideration of the Estates Commissioners, contains, a proposal to make an allotment to Mr. Thomas 1891 Cunningham, Ballacolla; is he aware that Mr. Cunningham, who is a wealthy merchant, keeps the post office in Ballacolla worth £150 a year, and in addition has a large farm purchased on another estate; and, in view of the fact that the untenanted land on the Caldbeck estate is not sufficient to supply the needs of the small holders and labourers in the locality, will he see that no allotment is made to Mr. Cunningham?
The HON. MEMBERfurther asked whether, if a proposal to give an allotment of untenanted land on the Caldbeck estate, Ballacolla, Queen's County, to Mr. Michael Guilfoyle, the estate bailiff, is contained in the scheme at present before the Estates Commissioners and drawn up by their inspector, Mr. Booth; whether he is aware that Mr. Guilfoyle has already a large farm on the estate and also holds a farm of forty acres, purchased out on another property; and, in view of the fact that the untenanted land on this estate is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the uneconomic holders and labourers of the locality, will he see that the intentions of Parliament are not frustrated by making an allotment to this wealthy man already in possession of over eighty acres of land?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have nothing to add to my reply to the question on the same subject asked by the hon. Member on the 12th instant.
§ Mr. DELANYDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that it is in accordance with the spirit of the Act or the intentions of Parliament that these wealthy men should receive allotments of this untenanted land to the exclusion of the small occupiers in the locality?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe whole scheme is under the consideration of the Estates Commissioners, and it would be most improper at this stage to make any further statement with regard to it.