HC Deb 12 December 1912 vol 45 cc749-50
30. Mr. LYNCH

asked whether, in the demesne of the Vandeleur estate, Kilrush, Mr. H. R. Glynn, of Kilrush, is in occupation of the buildings, which he is having painted and repaired; if so, whether Mr. Glynn is one of the richest men in the West of Ireland; under what Land Act it is provided that, following on the expropriation of one landlord, another may become a beneficiary; and whether, in the event of Mr. Glynn having obtained an interest in the demesne, steps will be taken to put an end to this condition of affairs?

Mr. RUSSELL

Mr. H. R. Glynn is not in occupation of any buildings on the lands of the Department's Forestry Centre at Kilrush.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the right hon. gentleman give a promise that in no circumstances whatever shall he be put in occupation of any land?

Mr. RUSSELL

I have answered the question put by the hon. gentleman on the Paper. I will certainly not give any promise to discriminate between people in Kilrush or anywhere else.

Mr. LYNCH

In that, case will the right hon. gentleman explain under what Statute Mr. Glynn could legally obtain any interest whatever in an estate which was——

Mr. SPEAKER

That question does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

31. Mr. LYNCH

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, in regard to the demesne of the Vandeleur estate, Kilrush, West Clare, his attention has been called to a resolution of the Kilrush branch of the United Irish League strongly protesting against the ranching system which the Department has introduced in the demesne; and whether, in response to the feeling prevailing in West Clare in the matter, he will take steps to terminate these lettings and transfer the demesne again to the control of the Estates Commissioners, so that it may be utilised to the advantage of the local uneconomic tenants in accordance with the Land Act of 1909?

Mr. RUSSELL

The Department have received a copy of a resolution adopted by the Kilrush branch of the United Irish League calling on the Department to hand over to the Congested Districts Board 250 acres of demesne land for distribution among the people of Kilrush. As the hon. Member was informed, in reply to his question on this subject on the 31st October last, the Department are not in a position to take the course suggested. The Department hold this property, as trustees under the Irish Land Acts, for forestry purposes, and a scheme for the economic development of the whole area into a forest centre is being carried out. The temporary letting of the grass lands will cease as they are planted up.

Mr. LYNCH

Is it part of the scheme that this demesne should be cut up and delivered over under the eleven months' system, and that part of it should be handed over to the control of the landlord?

Mr. RUSSELL

The Department estimate that it will take some five years to plant the demesne. Some of the land will be unoccupied, so far as the forestry scheme is concerned, for that time, and, as we are bound to get the best terms we can for the present for the advantage of the Treasury, we propose to let the land under temporary lettings until it is all planted out.

Mr. LYNCH

I will ask the right hon. Gentleman to see that the provisions of the Land Act of 1909 are carried out with a sole eye to the interests of the tenants concerned.