§ Mr. O'MALLEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Congested 1277 Districts Board has sent valuers to inspect the Clement estate, Maam, Connemara; and, if not, will he say when they will be sent; and whether he is aware that the tenants on the Clement estate, as on the other estates in Connemara, are dissatisfied with the delay in the purchase of estates even where the landlords are willing and anxious to sell?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The Congested Districts Board inform me that this estate has not yet been inspected and valued, but it will be dealt with as soon as practicable. There has been no avoidable delay in connection with the inspection of this estate having regard to its priority, and special steps are being taken with regard to Connemara estates many of which are at present being valued.
§ Mr. O'DOWDasked what steps, if any, the Congested Districts Board purpose taking in regard to those landlords in county Sligo who openly disregard the authority of the Board, and refuse to sell at any price to their tenants, although in most cases the surrounding estates have already been purchased under recent Purchase Acts?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board are at present considering the circumstances of the county Sligo estates to which the hon. Member refers, and it is hoped that they may soon be in a position to take action.
§ Mr. FRANCIS MEEHANasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Estates Commissioners have made a demand on the tenants on the Vaugh and Hosie estates, Ballinaglera, county Leitrim, for the payment of two and a-half years' interest on the purchase money; and whether, having regard to the fact that these arrears accrued while the estate was in litigation, and the tenants are not in a position to meet the demand, the Commissioners would accede to the tenants' request by extending the time for payment of arrears?
§ Mr. BIRRELLUnder Section 35 (2) of the Act of 1896, the collection by the Land Commission of interests in lieu of rent is mandatory, and the Commissioners have no power to allow time for the payment of arrears.
§ Mr. DORISasked whether Miss Oliver Crean-Lynch and Mr. James Fitzgerald-Kenny have lodged with the Congested 1278 Districts Board the necessary maps and papers, with a view to voluntary sales of their estates situate in the district of Clogher, Ballyglass, county Mayo; and when the Board hope to complete the purchase of those congested estates?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe maps and other documents in connection with the estate of Miss Oliver Crean-Lynch referred to are being prepared with a view to the property being offered for sale through the Congested Districts Board. The Board are informed that Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenny also contemplates offering his estate for sale to them. When the documents have been received the estates will be inspected and decisions arrived at regarding purchase as soon as practicable.
§ Mr. DORISasked whether the Congested Districts Board have yet got possession of the estate of Anthony M'Dermott and others, near Ballyglass, county Mayo, including the grass farm hitherto occupied by Mr. Acton; and when the Board hope to be able to distribute the lands amongst the tenants of the estate?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board have purchased the estate of A. J. McDermott, and have got possession of the untenanted land on it. The Board will enter into negotiations with Mr. Acton as to the farm held by him under a statutory tenancy.
§ Mr. DORISasked whether Mr. P. King-Joyce has offered to sell to the Congested Districts Board his interest in the grazing farm of Burriscarra, on the Nolan-Ferrall estate, county Mayo, which has been acquired by the Board; and whether the Board has taken any steps to procure the farm for the relief of congestion in the district?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMr. King-Joyce has named a price at which he is willing to sell to the Congested Districts Board his interest in the lands referred to, but the price is considered excessive.