HC Deb 01 March 1911 vol 22 cc376-8
Mr. JOHN ROCHE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the townlands of Treanbawn, River- stick, and Turksland, upon the Lahiff estate, county Galway, are situated about sixteen miles from the main portion of the estate, and that upon Turksland there are six tenants living on uneconomic holdings, while there are no tenants living upon the adjoining townland of Treanbawn, which is entirely used for grazing purposes by two men not living upon or near the estate, whose grazing terms will expire next year; and, under the circumstances, will he direct that those three townlands be excluded from sale until the grazing land is acquired for the improvement of small holdings upon the estate?

Mr. BIRRELL

As already stated in reply to the hon. Member's question for 13th February the estate referred to is the subject of proceedings for sale to the Estates Commissioners in the Land Judge's Court. The Commissioners have not yet obtained possession of these lands, but the matters referred to in the question will be carefully considered before any scheme for the allotment of the land on the estate is approved.

Mr. GILHOOLY

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will request the Congested Districts Board to communicate with Mr. Guest Lane, South Mall, Cork, agent for the Prixley estate, Castletown Bere, with a view to the sale of the said estate to the tenants?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Congested Districts Board inform me that they are not prepared to enter into communication with the agent of the estate named in the question.

Mr. GILHOOLY

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any reason?

Mr. BIRRELL

I think it is better not to state the reasons why the Congested Districts Board do not act in a particular case.

Mr. JOHN ROCHE

asked the Chief Secretary whether he would direct the Estates Commissioners to have the estate of Major O'Kelly inspected without further delay, as tenants two years ago agreed to pay competitive rent for grass land pending the inspection?

Mr. BIRRELL

The hon. Member presumably refers to the estate of Major Arthur D. D. Kelly, county Galway, Formal proceedings for the sale of this estate to the Estates Commissioners were instituted by the owner in October, 1908. When the estate has reached its turn it will be dealt with as rapidly as possible.