§ Mr. DORISasked when the Congested Districts Board first opened negotiations with the landlord for the purchase of the estate of the Marquess of Sligo in West Mayo, and with what result; is he aware that the tenants have since made several unsuccessful attempts to induce the landlord to sell the property to them upon reasonable terms; and whether, having regard to the congested condition of many portions of the estate and the amount of untenanted land which it contains, the Board will take prompt steps to have the 257 estate acquired compulsorily, in accordance with the request addressed to them by the tenants?
§ Mr. BIRRELLInquiries and negotiations with reference to two separate sections of this estate have taken place at various times since the year 1897 without any definite result. The Congested Districts Board hope to be in a position to reopen negotiations within the next fortnight. Pending such negotiations no further statement can be made at present.