§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that more than eight months have elapsed since the Congested Districts Board undertook to complete the purchase of the Jermyn estate at Castle Cove; and whether, in view of the fact that the tenants received a circular from the agent four months ago stating that the owner had accepted the sale price fixed by the Board, he will state the cause of delay in completing the purchase?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board's offer for the purchase of this estate was accepted on 10th May last, and rents are being collected by the Board. Some time must elapse before the necessary legal steps are completed in order to have the property vested in the Board, and until this is done no works can be undertaken.