§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary whether he could state when the Estates Commissioners expect to go into possession of Earl's Park, the Loughrea section of the Earl of Westmeath's estate; and, having regard to all the circumstances of the estate, namely, the state of unrest, the length of time the lands have been thrown idle since 1906, the expense incurred in connection with the State trials instituted against a large number of people in the locality in connection with these lands, and the willingness and anxiety of the Noble Earl to co-operate with the people in bringing about a sale, whether, in the interests of everybody concerned, he will direct the attention of the Estates Commissioners to the seriousness of leaving this estate in its present condition?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAs I have already informed the hon. Member in reply to a question asked by him on 24th February, the turn of this estate to be dealt with by the Estates Commissioners has not yet come. Moreover, the consent of the Congested Districts Board will be necessary under the Act of last Session before the property can be purchased by the Commissioners.