HC Deb 13 January 1916 vol 77 cc1774-6
8. Mr. BOLAND

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any, have been taken to complete purchase negotiations on the property of the Knight of Kerry, in Valentia, Ireland, by giving the tenants the full reduction to which they are now entitled?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am informed by the Congested Districts Board that in the case of the estate mentioned it is proposed in the near future to have undertakings to purchase signed by the tenants of all holdings which do not require improvements or alterations, and on completion of these undertakings interest will be collected on the purchase prices. Holdings requiring rearrangement cannot be dealt with pending the carrying out of the improvements, but this is being expedited.

Mr. BOLAND

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how soon this will be done; I got the same information three months ago?

Mr. BIRRELL

Well, Sir, we are contemplating it. I really hope that the words "in the near future" mean very soon.

9. Mr. WHITE

asked whether the un tenanted lands on the Headfort estate in the townlands of Ballintillan and Moate have been offered for sale to the Estates Commissioners?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am informed that in connection with the sale of this estate by the owner direct to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, the owner has offered for sale to the Estates Commissioners some 60 acres of untenanted land in his occupation in the townland of Ballintillan and 247 acres in the townland of Moate.

10. Mr. WHITE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have acquired the un tenanted land on the Alexander estate at Cruicetown, county Meath; how many uneconomic holdings are on the estate and how many others in the immediate neigh bourhood; whether it is proposed to allocate the untenanted land to their enlargement; and if any application has been made to the Commissioners to devote a suitable portion of the land for the pasturage of labourers' cows?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am informed that the reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. In connection with the sale of the untenanted land by the owner direct to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, the owner has offered some 270 acres of the lands of Cruicetown in his occupation for sale to the Estates Commissioners for purposes of distribution, and the acquisition of these lands will be considered by the Commissioners when dealing with the estate in its order of priority on the principal register of direct sales (all cash). There appear to be nine holdings on the property, the Poor Law valuation of which does not exceed £7. In the distribution of the un-sioners will have due regard to the wants and circumstances of the occupiers of tenanted land, if acquired, the Commissmall holdings in the neighbourhood. The reply to the concluding part of the question would appear to be in the negative.

14. Mr. DELANY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Lord Castletown is letting his demesne lands at Granstown, Queen's County, to large farmers in the locality under lease for terms of twenty-one years; whether he is aware that a definite pledge was given by Lord Castletown's agent, Major Hamilton, at the time the sale of the tenanted land was being negotiated, that the demesne lands would be sold to the Estates Commissioners for the purposes of redistribution and to relieve congestion in the district; and will the Estates Commissioners take steps to void those leases and see that the pledge of Lord Castletown's agent, upon which the sale was based, is fulfilled?

Mr. BIRRELL

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer to my reply of Thursday last to the hon. Member for the Leix Division of Queen's County. I have no information as to the matter referred to in the second part. I am informed that the demesne lands mentioned were not included in the lands concerning which proceedings for sale were instituted before the Estates Commissioners, but in any event the Commissioners have no power to void leases.

Mr. DELANY

Would the Commissioners communicate with Lord Castletown?

Mr. BIRRELL

They are in communication already, I know.

Sir J. D. REES

Is there any law under which Lord Castletown has ceased to be the owner of his own estates?

Mr. BIRRELL

If he has not sold them he remains the owner.