HC Deb 01 April 1913 vol 51 cc216-7
81. Mr. VINCENT KENNEDY

asked the Chief Secretary if he has received a resolution from the Killeshandra branch of the United Irish League protesting against the neglect by the Estates Commissioners of the three Killeshandra evicted tenants; and will he have a special inspector sent at once to report on this matter?

Mr. BIRRELL

The reply to the first paragraph of the question is in the affirmative. The Estates Commissioners have inquired into these cases and, as the hon. Member and the parties have already been informed, the Commissioners have refused to take any action, and they are not prepared to depart from this decision.

Mr. KENNEDY

Does the right hon. Gentleman not see it is a reasonable suggestion that an inspector should be sent in this case?

Mr. BIRRELL

I never have interfered, I do not intend to interfere, and I have no right to interfere. That point may be suggested to the Estates Commissioners, and no doubt it has been.

83. Mr. DANIEL BOYLE

asked what steps, if any, have been taken by the Congested Districts Board towards the re-instatement of the evicted tenants on the Pratt estate, near Crossmolina, county Mayo?

Mr. BIRRELL

Eleven applications from persons seeking reinstatement in holdings formerly occupied by them on this estate have been received by the Estates Commissioners. One applicant was provided with a holding on lands acquired by the Congested Districts Board, and was given a free Grant by the Commissioners to assist him in working the holding. One application is under consideration, and in six cases the Commissioners, after inquiry and consideration, decided to take no action. The remaining applications were not received within the period limited by the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907, and cannot be dealt with under that Act.

86. Mr. DANIEL BOYLE

asked the grounds on which the Estates Commissioners have declined the application of Francis Bourne, junior, Stonefield, Rossport, county Mayo, to be reinstated in the holding on the Bingham estate, county Mayo, from which his father, now deceased, was evicted some years ago, or an equivalent holding; if the holding in question is now part of a grazing ranch; and if the applicant is in every way qualified to work the holding if reinstated?

Mr. BIRRELL

Bourne's application for reinstatement was refused by the Estates Commissioners in the exercise of the discretion vested in them, and they decline to reopen the matter.