§ Mr. DORISasked what stages have been reached in the proceedings of the Congested Districts Board for the purchase of the Fitzgerald, Hunter, Darcy, Martyn, and Miss H. Phibbs estates, in Turlough and Kildcamoge parishes, county Mayo; and when the Board expect to have the sales completed?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe estate of Mr. D. J. Fitzgerald has been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board, and the question of its purchase is at present under consideration. The maps and some of the documents in the case of the estate of the Misses Hunter have been lodged with the Board, who have asked for further information regarding the property. The maps and documents connected with the estate of Hyacinth Darcy have also been lodged with the Board, and the question of its purchase will be decided as soon as practicable. The Board will shortly make an offer for the purchase of the estate of R. W. Martyn, and they have issued an offer for the purchase of the estate of Miss H. Phibbs.
§ Mr. JAMES O'KELLYasked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the Irish Land Commission have power to expropriate the intervening interest of a middleman having a lease of over sixty years unexpired of a house in a town or on an estate which is being sold under the Land Act, 1903, he will explain why the Land Commission does not expropriate the intervening interests of middlemen in the town of Strokestown and declare the occupiers of houses the owners on reasonable terms; and will he say what steps the Estates Commissioners intend to take for the distribution of the 1,400 acres of grass lands adjoining the town of Strokes-town let on the eleven months' system, situate on the Mahon estate, which is 1435W being sold, or if they intend to give any portion of these lands to the inhabitants of the town of Strokestown requiring the same?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe assumption of the hon. Member in the first part of the question is not correct. The provisions of the Irish Land Act, 1903, as to the redemption of intervening interests do not apply when the middleman has a lease of over sixty years unexpired at the time of sale. As regards the other matters referred to in the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on 29th May, 1911.
§ Mr. HAYDENasked if the Congested Districts Board entered into negotiations for the purchase of the O'Kelly estate, in Taughmaconnell, near Ballinasloe, in the county Roscommon, and what is the present position of these negotiations; and if, in view of the fact that there are many uneconomic holdings and a considerable amount of untenanted land upon it, the Board will press forward these negotiations to an early conclusion?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board entered into negotiations for the purchase of the estate referred to in December, 1911, but, on reconsideration, in February last, they decided to postpone the proceedings.
§ Mr. HAYDENasked whether the Estates Commissioners are taking any steps to acquire the portion of the Creighton estate in the parish of Kilbride, county Roscommon, not already purchased; and whether, in view of the fact that there are grass lands, amounting to about 500 acres, on the unpurchased portion of this estate that is needed for the relief of small holders in the district, the Commissioners will expedite the negotiations for its acquisition?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 7th instant. The estate will be dealt with in order of priority.
§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary if the O'Connor Henchy estate, situate at Moyvilla, Oranmore, county Galway, has been acquired by the Estates Commissioners; is it an estate to be dealt with by the Estates Commissioners; and can he say when or about what time the Estates Commissioners hope to be able to deal with this estate?
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§ Mr. BIRRELLThis estate is being acquired by the Estates Commissioners who hope to deal with it at an early date.