HC Deb 10 April 1913 vol 51 cc1372-3W
Mr. HAZLETON

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board will consider the question of migrating some of the small uneconomic holders on the Blake estate, near Annaghdown, county Galway, purchased about eleven years ago under the Ashbourne Act, thus enabling the Board to enlarge the holdings on this estate?

Mr. BIRRELL

If the Congested Districts Board receive applications from any tenant-purchasers on the estate referred to to migrate to lands which could be provided for them without interfering with the relief of local congestion, the Board will give every consideration to their applications.

Mr. HAZLETON

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board will consider the desirability of negotiating with Mr. Murphy, who holds a farm under a judicial tenancy on the R. T. Lattey estate, mainly in the parish of Annaghdown, county Galway, with a view to his surrendering his interest in the farm to allow of its division amongst the small tenants?

Mr. BIRRELL

It is presumed that the lands referred to are those in the occupation of Mrs. Margaret Murphy. If so, the question of negotiating with the tenant for the purchase of portion of the lands in her occupation is under the consideration of the Congested Districts Board.

Sir THOMAS ESMONDE

asked the Chief Secretary if, in connection with the proposed Bill to deal with land purchase in Ireland, he will introduce provisions enabling Irish town tenants also to purchase their holdings?

Mr. BIRRELL

It is not proposed to give further facilities for the purchase of their holdings by town tenants.

Mr. O'MALLEY

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Graham estate, Ballinakill, Connemara, has been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board; and, if so, will he state when the sale is likely to be completed?

Mr. BIRRELL

The estate referred to has not been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board, but they have taken steps to acquire it compulsorily, and the hearing of the case before the Estates Commissioners is fixed for the 22nd instant.