HC Deb 27 April 1911 vol 24 cc1945-8
Mr. HAYDEN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if any negotiations have taken place between the Congested Districts Board and Mr. Chichester Constable for the sale by the latter of his property at Runamoat, in the county Roscommon; if so, when did these negotiations commence; what is the present condition of them; and whether there is any likelihood in the near future of this property being acquired?

The CHIEF SECRETARY to the LORD LIEUTENANT of IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

The Congested Districts Board were in negotiation with Mr. Chichester Constable as to the sale of this estate from 1899 up to February, 1910. He then informed the Board that he would not sell unless he was paid the price he asked in cash, and in these circumstances the Board do not consider it probable that the estate can be acquired in the near future.

Mr. BOLAND

asked what has been the result, if any, of the request addressed to the Trinity College authorities to expedite the sale of their estate in and around Cahirciveen?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have communicated, as I promised, with the Congested Districts Board, who inform me that the rental and maps in the case of this estate have not yet been furnished. The preparation of such documents necessarily involves considerable time.

Mr. O'DOWD

asked whether the owners of the Lady Mossman and Miss Nicholson estates, situate in the Lakeview electoral division of the Sligo union, have been recently approached by the Congested Districts Board with a view to purchase; and, if so, can he say what has been the result of the negotiation?

Mr. BIRRELL

The owners of both these estates have recently been asked by the Congested Districts Board if they were willing to negotiate for the sale of their property, but so far no reply has been received.

Mr. O'DOWD

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have yet approached Palmer M'Loghry, Esquire, Rusheen, Riverstown, county Sligo, with the view to the purchase of his estate, situate in the Templeranny electoral divivion, Boyle (No. 2) union, county Sligo; and, if so, with what result?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Congested Districts Board have communicated with the owner of the estate referred to, but so far without any result. They will again write to him.

Mr. O'DOWD

asked whether, in case the Congested Districts Board decide to purchase the estate of Miss Nicholson, which estate is situated in Leitrim North and rural district of Tubbercurry, county Sligo, the non-residential grazing farm on this estate would also be purchased and utilised for the enlargement of the small holdings in the district?

Mr. BIRRELL

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 10th April.

Mr. JAMES O'KELLY

asked whether agreements have been made between Sir Gilbert King and his tenants in the parish of Kilmore, county Roscommon, for direct sale by the former of their holdings to the tenants; whether these agreements have yet been considered by the Estates Commissioners and the holdings defined to be an estate; and, if not, whether, before coming to a decision on this question, the Estates Commissioners will consider the necessity of including within the property to be sold the large amount of untenanted land, which comprises a portion of this property, which is needed for the enlargement of uneconomic holdings?

Mr. BIRRELL

Agreements have been entered into as stated in the question. When the estate is reached in order of priority the matter referred to in the concluding paragraph will be duly considered by the Estates Commissioners.

Mr. REDDY

asked why the Board of Works refused to sell John Rourke, Cloneyheniogue, Lusmagh, King's County, his farm under the Land Purchase Acts; and, in view of the fact that all the surrounding lands have been sold off, will something be done to compel the Board of Works to treat the man fairly, and not keep him outside the Act of Parliament, which has been availed of by every tenant for miles around him?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Board of Works are advised that the Land Purchase Acts do not apply to these lands, which are held on an agreement terminable at any time on three months' notice.

Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIEN

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his statement that the claim for an opportunity of discussing the present position of land purchase in Ireland is a most reasonable one and that he appreciated the importance and urgency of the question as much as the senior Member for the City of Cork, he will arrange that the vote for the Chief Secretary's salary or for the Land Commission shall be put down for the first day of Irish Supply, so as to enable the subject to be discussed?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

I have already agreed that the question of Irish education shall be put down for the first day of Irish Supply, but I will arrange that a later opportunity shall be given for the discussion for which the hon. Member asks.