§ 134. Mr. HUGH LAWasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received the resolution unanimously passed by the County Council of Donegal in favour of proceeding at once with the purchase of the Rosses estate of the Marquess Conyngham, in respect of which negotiations had been completed between the owner and the Congested Districts Board previous to the outbreak of war; and whether any decision has been reached in the matter?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Congested Districts Board have received a copy of the Resolution referred to. The Bosses Estate of the Marquess Conyngham has been valued, but no offer for purchase was made, and therefore negotiations had not been completed between the owner and the Board before the outbreak of war. Negotiations for the purchase of estates have been suspended, and steps cannot at present be taken with a view to acquiring this estate as a whole, but negotiations have been commenced for the acquisition for cash of a farm on the estate.