HC Deb 20 June 1911 vol 27 cc144-5
Mr. NEWMAN

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that Richard Kingston, of Cuneclough, Lissarda, county Cork, was informed by the Estates Commissioners by letter on 1st April, 1910, that they had decided to take no action with regard to removing him from his farm and handing the same over to a younger son of a former occupier, and that on or about 15th May last he was called on by Mr. Robert F. Coll, an Estates Commission inspector, who informed him that he had come from the Land Commission office, and that, conditionally on his giving up the land then in his possession, he would be given a smaller holding in another part of the county; whether he is aware that, on Kingston's refusal, Mr. Coll made use of a threatening expression; whether such visit was made by direction of the Land Commission; and, if so, whether they have now determined to alter the decision arrived at in April of last year?

Mr. BIRRELL

Richard Kingston was informed by the, Estates Commissioners in April, 1910, that they had decided to take no action in the matter of Denis Murphy's application for reinstatement in a holding on the Warren Estate formerly occupied by Murphy's father, and now in Kingston's occupation. They were subsequently informed that Kingston was prepared to hand over the farm to Murphy, who had returned from America, if provided with another farm by the Commissioners, and they directed their inspector to make inquiries as to whether this arrangement was feasible. They are not aware of any threatening expression used by their inspector, and as Kingston is not prepared to accept an alternative farm Murphy's application will be considered in the allotment of other lands.

Mr. NEWMAN

Is it not a fact that under the terms of the Land Act of 1909 the Estates Commissioners have no power whatever to remove Mr. Kingston from his farm?

Mr. BIRRELL

They did not order his removal.

Mr. NEWMAN

Did they suggest his removal?

Mr. BIRRELL

No. At the request of the authorities they went there to see whether the proposed arrangement was or was not practicable, and finding that it was not, the ordinary course prevailed. The Commissioners were informed that Kingston was prepared to give over the farm and they sent down to see whether that was so or not, and finding that it was not so, the thing remained as it was before.