§ Mr. FLAVINasked whether the Congested Districts Board have power, and, if so, will they exericse that power, to purchase compulsorily tenanted lands in the western counties of Ireland where the landlord refuses to sell to the tenants on his estate, and also where the landlord and tenants cannot agree on a price?
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§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board possesses compulsory powers, and, if necessary, they will be prepared to exercise them.
§ Mr. THOMPSONasked the Chief Secretary if he can state the area of land sold or agreed upon to be sold to the occupying tenants in Ireland under the several land purchase schemes up to and inclusive of 1st January, 1890?
The HON. MEMBERfurther asked as to the area of land sold under land purchase schemes in Ireland from 1st January, 1890, up to the latest returns received from the Department; and (2) as to the area of land in the hands of occupying tenants in Ireland remaining unsold?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI would refer the hon. Member to the Return presented to Parliament in November, 1908 (Command Paper No. 4412), which gives the last available figures as to the area of lands sold or agreed to be sold under the Land Purchase Acts, and also as to the area of the lands in respect of which proceedings for sale had not been instituted. The Monthly Returns of proceedings presented to Parliament give particulars as to the number and purchase money of holdings sold and agreed to be sold under these Acts.