6. Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has now been able to ascertain the reasons that led the Estates Commissioners, in view of their previous undertaking that men who were serving in the forces of the Crown or who had relatives so serving should have preference, to refuse in a recent distribution of lands at Killua, West Meath, the application of Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant Bond, Leinster Regiment, 1822 who has to his credit nearly twenty-four years' continuous service, including four years' service in France; why was James Killick, of Clonmallon. West Meath, also refused land, although he has three sons at present serving; and will the Estates Commissioners now review their decision in these cases?
§ Mr. SAMUELSThe classes of persons to whom parcels of untenanted land can be sold by the Estates Commissioners under the Land Purchase Acts are prescribed by those Acts. In the distribution of the lands referred to in the question the Commissioners found it possible to divide over 230 acres amongst persons coming within these classes who have served or are serving in the present War, or have members of their families so serving. The application of Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant Bond and James Killick were considered, and in the exercise of their discretion the Commissioners did not include them amongst those who were provided with land. It is not the practice of the Commissioners to give the reasons which actuate them in the exercise of the discretion vested in them. The land has been distributed, and possession taken by or on behalf of the allottees, and the question of the distribution cannot be reopened.
Major NEWMANCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, as a fact, some of the land allotted on this Killua estate was not given to men who had not served themselves, and who had no dependants at all—in other words, they came first and the men serving came last?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI have no further particulars. The Commissioners cannot look further into the matter.
§ Colonel McCALMONTAre we to understand that there is to be any changes of policy or is this going on?
§ Mr. SAMUELSThis is a case of land distributed some time ago.
§ Colonel McCALMONTCan the right hon. Gentleman give no assurance that that policy will be changed in future?
§ Mr. SAMUELSAn assurance has been given that the interests of these men will be carefully attended to?