§ 97. Mr. JAMES O'KELLYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Popham estate, situated in Boyle parish, county Roscommon, has been offered to the Congested Districts Board for purchase; whether he is aware of the intended sub-division of one of the large nonresidential grazing ranches by a method which must prove prejudicial to the interests of the occupiers of uneconomic holdings which are numerous in the parish; and whether, in view of the intentions of Parliament, he will take steps to prevent the proposed sub-division?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)This estate has been offered for sale through the Congested Districts Board, but they have no information as regards the proposed sub-division of the lands referred to, and unless they purchase the property they cannot take any steps to prevent it. There are no untenanted lands on the estate, and the Board hope to make an offer for its purchase at an early date.
§ 99. Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the Estates Commissioners have taken or are taking any action in regard to reinstated evicted tenants in the townland of Edenmore, Cornaheive, Derryleabeg, and Derryleamore, in county Monaghan, who have not complied with the requirements of the Commissioners as to residing on and working the holdings; if he is aware that in several of these cases substantial Grants of public money were made to tenants, who, nevertheless, have neglected to till their farms, and in one case continues to live in England; and if he will direct that a full report of the investigation now proceeding, and the results of the action taken by the Commissioners, shall be presented to Parliament without delay?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension in thinking that the reinstated evicted tenants referred to failed to comply with the Estates Commissioners' requirements. Five out of the six evicted tenants reinstated on the lands mentioned in the question to whom free grants were made by the Commissioners for repairs of buildings and purchase of stock are residing on their holdings and appear to be working them in a proper manner. The sixth tenant, who was keeping house for her children in England, has promised to come and live on the holding with some of her family as soon as possible, and in the meantime has put the house on the land in repair.