§ Mr. GILHOOLYasked whether a few of the tenants on the Bantry estate of the Earl of Kenmare have not purchased their holdings owing to difference as to prices and for other reasons; and whether the Estates Commissioners will, before advancing the purchase money to the landlord, adjust the difference between him and the tenants?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners inform me that when the estates referred to is being dealt with in order of priority the cases of any tenants who have not signed agreements for the purchase of their holdings will be inquired into and considered by the Commissioners.
§ Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he would put down a Supplementary Estimate that will make it possible for the House to discuss the present position of land purchase in Ireland?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir. I cannot undertake to put down a Supplementary Estimate which is not in fact required.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENCan the right hon. Gentleman not hold out some hope of giving us some opportunity for the discussion of this very urgent question during the very considerable portion of time that the Government propose to appropriate?
§ Mr. BIRRELLSo far as I am concerned there is nothing I would like more than a discussion upon this subject. If my hon. Friend can make any impression on the Prime Minister I shall be glad.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENI will just try my hand. I put it to the Prime Minister whether it is not reasonable and just that there should be some opportunity for discussing a matter of such imperative importance at some reasonable time to be determined?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think that that is a very reasonable request.
§ Mr. W. O'BRIENWill the right hon. Gentleman grant it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes.
§ Mr. FFRENCHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether he is aware that the tenants of Mrs. Biddulph Colclough, Tintern, signed a purchase agreement some years ago; and if he can say when the Estates Commissioners hope to complete the sale by granting a vesting order?
§ Mr. BIRRELLHaving regard to the position of this estate on the principal register of direct sales and the claims of estates in priority to it, the Estates Commissioners cannot at present say when its turn will be reached, but when so reached it will be dealt with as rapidly as possible.