§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the number of landless applicants refused allotments of untenanted land on the Pakenham, estate, Westmeath, who have since emigrated in consequence of that refusal; whether he still approves of the ranchers' scheme by which they were excluded, while two allotments were given to a widow and her only son residing together on an adequate farm; and what action, if any, the Estates Commissioners are now taking to check emigration from that depleted county by distribution of the untenanted lands?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member's question on 26th July, 1910, regarding the estate referred to. As I have already informed the hon. Member the Estates Commissioners have acquired for distribution over 7,000 acres of untenanted land in county Westmeath, and are in negotiation for an additional 6,000 acres in that county.
§ Mr. LUNDONasked whether the untenanted land on the estate of Lord Massy, at Castleconnell, county Limerick, has yet been acquired by the Commissioners; has the land been inspected; and, if so, how soon may it be distributed?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners have directed an inspection to be made of the untenanted land on the estate referred to which the owner has offered 186 for sale. They are not in a position at present to reply to the last paragraph of the question.