HC Deb 14 July 1914 vol 64 cc1713-4
84. Mr. J. P. FARRELL

asked the actual price proposed by the Estates Commissioners to be offered to Mr. Shuldham for the untenanted lands of Ballymulvey, county Longford; whether this price was to be paid in cash or stock; whether in fact the offer was made at all or not; and, if not, will it now be made so as to give a chance for a bargain to be made?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture, Ireland)

It would be contrary to the practice of the Estates Commissioners to give particulars of their estimated price at this stage of their negotiations. Under the Irish Land Act, 1909, the purchase money would be payable in Three Per Cent. Guaranteed Stock equal in nominal amount thereto. The Commissioners have intimated to the owner the price they are prepared to advance, but no formal offer has been made.

86. Mr. J. P. FARRELL

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners are aware that on the sale of the Davoreen estate, at Killasama, county Longford, a sub-division of a small portion of untenanted lands took place, but the larger portion and mansion were left in Mr. Davoren's hands, who has been striving to sell it; and whether, in view of the fact that a number of the uneconomic tenant holders on the estate got practically no relief under the scheme, he will direct the Estates Commissioners to enter into communication with the owner and purchase the demesne for the purpose of giving those tenants whose farms are small some expansion of their existing holdings?

Mr. RUSSELL

On the occasion of the sale of this estate under the Irish Land Act, 1903, about 200 acres of untenanted land, including bog, were vested in the purchasing tenants in addition to their holdings. The owner repurchased 160 acres in his occupation, with the residence thereon, under the provisions of Section 3 of the Act, and the lands have been vested in him. Being already subject to an annuity under the Land Purchase Acts, the Commissioners have no power to make any further advance for the purchase of the lands vested in the owner.