§ Mr. DANIEL BOYLEasked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that Mr. C. H. Denroche, 24, Nassau Strreet, Dublin, acting for Mr. R. A. Knox, owner of the Rappa estate, county Mayo, asserts that all necessary documents to enable the Congested Districts Board to negotiate for the purchase of this estate have been in the Board's possession more than five years; that prior to September, 1906, the whole-estate had been inspected by the Board's staff, an offer made for the whole, and eventually a portion purchased through the Land Judge's Court; and, if so, will he explain why it was stated officially on the 13th December, 1911, that, so far, the necessary documents had not been furnished by the owner; and if any recent steps have been taken to acquire the estate and with what result?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMr. Denroche's statement referred to is correct. The reply given to the hon. Member's question on the 13th December was based on a misapprehension. The Congested Districts Board have been in communication with Mr. Denroche regarding the purchase of the untenanted lands in the neighbourhood of Rappa Castle, but they are not yet in a position to make any further statement in the matter.
§ Mr. DORISasked when the Congested Districts Board intend to make offers to the landlords for the purchase of the Fitzgerald and Phibbs estates, in the parish of Keeloges, county Mayo?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe question of making offers for the purchase of the estates of D. E. Fitzgerald, and Miss Henrietta Phibbs, situate in the Union of Castlebar, county Mayo, will, it is expected, be considered by the Congested Districts Board at their meeting in April next.