§ Mr. JOHN ROCHEasked whether Lord Clanricarde has given his consent to the sale of his estate under the Act of 1909; and, if not, in view of the fact that he refused to sell under the Act of 1903, and by the aid of the Court of Appeal succeeded in defeating the objects of the Evicted Tenants Act of 1907 and the amending Act of 1908, and having regard to the fact that there are about eighty evicted tenants upon the estate unprovided for, will he see that the compulsory powers of the Bill of 1909 are put into operation with as little delay as possible?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe question of the acquisition of this estate is under the consideration of the Congested Districts Board, who are at present in communication with Lord Clanricarde's agent on the subject. I am not in a position to make any further statement on the subject.
§ Mr. J. ROCHEIs it not a fact that this is the only estate in Ireland in which the landlord refuses to reinstate evicted tenants, although he would be amply compensated for his interest in their holdings? Will the right hon. Gentleman therefore apply compulsory power as voluntary measures have failed?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWe are at present in negotiation with Lord Clanricarde's agent upon the subject, and the less inflammatory matter introduced I think the better.