§ 13. Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked whether there is any record in the offices of the Land Commission showing that some of the tenants now seeking advances to purchase their holdings on the estate of Lady Chapman applied to have a fair rent fixed and failed because, in the opinion of the Court, they had no legal status as boná-fide occupying tenants?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe records of the Irish Land Commission show only one case upon the estate referred to where the tenant's application to fix a fair rent was dismissed upon the question of occupancy. In this case the lands in question have, with other lands forming the "estate," since been sold under the Land Purchase Acts, and the holdings vested in the several tenant purchasers.
§ 18. Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary whether he has given any attention to the opinions of numerous bodies of tenants and public bodies in Ireland that the Irish Land Bill of last Session could not complete and would probably retard the completion of land purchase, and suggesting amendments; seeing that these are for a purpose with which all parties express agreement, whether they will be embodied in the Bill this Session; and whether the Bill will be put down for Second Reading sufficiently early in the Session to make discussion and amendment possible?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have received a great number of suggestions for alterations in and additions to the provisions of the Irish Land Bill of last year, but very few, if any, of these suggestions would meet with the approval of all parties. I propose, therefore, to reintroduce the Bill to-day, practically in the same form, and shall give careful consideration to any proposals or amendments that may be put forward by agreement between the parties most interested.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question asking when the Bill will be put down for Second Reading?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI should like to know what prospects there are of proceeding with a Bill of this kind before I give an answer to that question. I cannot answer until I know from the proper authorities what they will be.
§ 27. Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the tenants of Viscount Gough had maps prepared and a survey taken of the town holdings in the town of Gort, at the suggestion of the Estates Commissioners, with a view of purchasing their respective holdings; whether he is aware that a number of the tenants have land attached to their houses which would afford sufficient security for the advancement of the purchase money; and will he interpose with the Estates Commissioners to have them carry out the arrangement originally entered into between the landlord, the tenants, and the Estates Commissioners in respect to the purchase of this estate?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners did not ask the tenants to prepare any maps. The question of the security for advances is a matter for the Commissioners who have decided not to sanction any advances for the purchase of the premises in the town of Gort. The Commissioners entered into no arrangement to purchase these premises.
§ Mr. DUFFYCan the right hon. Gentleman inform me what are the difficulties that stand in the way of the Estates Commissioners in dealing with town tenants in the same way as agricultural tenants?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member knows that it is by no means an easy matter for the Commissioners to deal with town tenancies, with all the different under-letting, and the like, in the same way as with agricultural tenancies; but, if they could do it, they would.
§ Mr. DUFFYMay I ask whether, in view of the definite understanding arrived at between the landlord and the tenants, the right hon. Gentleman will ask the Commissioners to take some steps in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir; the Estates Commissioners have entered into no arrangement.
§ 29. Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary if he can explain the circumstances under which the Estates Commissioners decline to carry out the promise made to the town tenants of Gort to the effect that facilities would be afforded to the town tenants to acquire their holdings conjointly with the agricultural tenants on the estate; whether he is aware of the nature and character of the holdings in 1328 Gort town which prevent the Estates Commissioners from co-operating with Viscount Gough to carry out a sale of the town property; and will he explain what the difficulties are?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo promise was made by the Estates Commissioners to make advances under the Land Purchase Acts for the purchase of the town holdings in the town of Gort. As regards the refusal of the Commissioners to make advances in respect of such holdings, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on the subject on the 14th August last. Such decision in no way prevents the occupiers purchasing for cash direct from the owner or through the district council under the provisions of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act, 1899.
§ Mr. DUFFYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will cause the Estates Commissioners to send a representation to the tenants on this estate pointing out in what position they stand in reference to the purchase of their houses?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will see whether the necessary information can be given.