§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have yet acquired compulsorily, or taken the preliminary steps for compulsorily acquiring, any untenanted land for the relief of congestion or the provision of new holdings for landless men who without land must emigrate; if so, will he state the names of the estates affected and the counties in which they are situate; if not, will he say when, if at all, the Commissioners propose to put their compulsory powers in operation in the counties under their jurisdiction containing untenanted land and many persons 1249 defined by statute as suitable for it, in need, and willing to purchase it at its value ascertained by the Commissioners?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners have received sixty-five memorials from tenants and other persons requesting them to acquire lands on their behalf under the provisions of the Irish Land Act, 1909, and are making the necessary inquiries. At the present stage the Commissioners are not in a position to furnish the detailed information asked for. The question of compulsory acquisition will be considered in the event of the Commissioners deciding that the lands referred to in these applications should be acquired.
§ Mr. GINNELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say as to whether any land has been acquired yet compulsorily by the Commissioners?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir.