§ Sir WALTER NUGENTasked the Chief-Secretary for Ireland if he can state on what grounds the Board of Works in Ireland have served notice of eviction on Mr. Andrew Moore, of Athlone, from lands adjoining the River Shannon, which he has held from them for a number of years; whether their reason for doing so was his refusal to allow a neighbouring landowner to place a barbed wire fence in the centre of his holding; and whether, in view of the fact that Mr. Moore has offered the portion of the land now proposed to be taken from him, free of charge, for the purpose for which it is required, he will advise the Board of Works to reconsider their action and withdraw the notice they have served on Mr. Moore?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSE:Mr. Moore holds a field of about five acres from the Board of Works on a yearly tenancy terminable at three months' notice, and notice to terminate his tenancy has been served on him. The reason is not as stated in the question. It is, I 159W understand, that the Board propose to let a part of the field to another person, who intends to erect a boat slip upon it; this slip will be useful to boat owners on the river. The Board are not in a position to reconsider their action. They did offer Mr. Moore to re-let to him the greater part of the field at a reduced rent, but this offer was not accepted. The Board are not aware of any offer by Mr. Moore to give the land required for the purpose for which it is wanted. No such offer by him could have any validity, since his occupation of the land is, as stated, only from year to year.