§ 40. Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Congested Districts Board have power to give land to a person having a lease of twenty-one years only, and not a regular tenant, where such land is required for the relief of congestion?
§ Mr. GULLAND (Lord of the Treasury)The Congested Districts Board have power to sell to a tenant on their own estate where the tenant holds under a lease for twenty-one years.
§ 50. Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary the cause of the delay in dealing with the Tawnamucklagh estate, situate in the district of Monasteredin, Boyle (No. 2) union, county Sligo, near Ballaghadereen, county Mayo, which was purchased by the Estates Commissioners in 1904; and whether the Commissioners intend to put their improvement scheme into operation on the property?
§ Mr. GULLANDThe hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. These lands referred to have not been acquired by the Estates Commissioners. The tenants entered into agreements direct with the owner to purchase their holdings on this townland under the Irish Land Act, 1903, but having regard to the character of the holdings, the Commissioners could not see their way to include them in 22 the lands sold in the direct sale proceedings, and, as the Commissioners have no untenanted land available to improve the holdings, they are not prepared to purchase them. Pending an application by the owner to the Congested Districts. Board, the Commissioners have decided not to dismiss the purchase agreements signed by the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903.