§ Mr. LYNCHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to a resolution of the urban council of Kilrush, West Clare, on 7th August last, stating that the cricket field in the Vandeleur Demesne, which had been time after time promised to the urban council of Kilrush, has not been so given to them but has been given to five other gentlemen outside the council,; whether he would inquire into the action of the Estates Commissioners in so passing over an elected public body and temporarily or otherwise vesting this land in private individuals, especially when the urban council made an offer to the Estates Commissioners for the full amount £925, and if he will enter into communication with the Estates Commissioners with a view to have them vest this plot of land in the urban council forthwith; whether he is aware that various other local bodies in Kilrush have passed similar resolutions; and whether steps will be taken to carry out the desire of the townspeople of Kilrush?
§ Mr. REDMOND BARRYThe resolution in question seem to be based on a mis- 1564 apprehension. The Estates Commissioners wish to sell the lands to the urban district council, but they do not appear to have any power under the Land Purchase Acts to make the council an advance to purchase the lands for the purposes for which they require them. The Commissioners are, however, prepared to sell the lands to the council for cash, in the manner provided by Section 36 of the Local Government Act of 1898, and are so informing the council. In the meantime they have made a temporary letting of the lands.
§ Mr. LYNCHWould the right hon. Gentleman agree that lands intended for public purposes ought to be vested in a public body?
§ Mr. REDMOND BARRYThey are prepared to sell the lands under the provisions of the Local Government Act of 1898, in which a provision was specially introduced for that kind of sale.