HC Deb 30 June 1910 vol 18 cc1115-7
Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked what provisions the Estates Commissioners made for the future arterial drainage of the estate of Colonel Alexander, county Dublin, before declaring the lands an estate; and whether they will impose upon the purchasing tenants the obligation of jointly contributing to a common fund for drainage purposes, or whether it will be left to the tenants to take what action they please?

Mr. BIRRELL

As I stated in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member on 25th April last, the owner of this estate obtained a loan from the Board of Works which was spent on drainage. Any arrears outstanding in respect of that loan will be redeemed out of the purchase money, and the tenant purchasers will in future be liable for the yearly maintenance rate in the proportions assessed by the Board of Works. The rate is struck each year by the local drainage board.

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the number of cases on the estate of Colonel Alexander, situate at Garristown, county Dublin, in which the Estates Commissioners refused to advance the whole of the purchase money on the ground that the holding was not sufficient security; and whether they will try to induce the vendor to accept what they consider the holding is value for?

Mr. BIRRELL

In all cases on this estate in which the Estates Commissioners refused to make the total advances applied for, the vendor has agreed to accept the amounts which the Commissioners were prepared to advance.

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked whether one of the tenants on the estate of Colonel Alexander, county Dublin, refused to purchase on the ground that no provision was-made for arterial drainage, and that his land suffered in consequence; whether his complaint was inquired into; and, if so, with what result; and whether before declaring the lands an estate any engineer visited the lands; and, if so, what was the nature of his report?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Estates Commissioners inform me that one of the tenants on this estate refused to purchase on the ground stated in the question. The Commissioners received a report from their inspector on the matter, but such reports are strictly confidential. I have already stated the nature of the provision made for the maintenance of the drainage works on the estate.

Mr. P. WHITE

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of my question as to whether any engineer visited the lands?

Mr. BIRRELL

I will ascertain.