HC Deb 26 March 1914 vol 60 cc562-3W
Mr. DORIS

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland upon what terms the Congested Districts Board have acquired the Gibbings estate, near Tiernaur, Newport, county Mayo?

Mr. BIRRELL

The holdings on the estate referred to were purchased by the Congested Districts Board at different prices. Holdings held at judicial rents fixed or agreed to before 14th August, 1896, at an average of eighteen years' purchase; holdings held at judicial rents fixed or agreed to on or since 14th August, 1896, at an average of twenty years' purchase; yearly tenancies at an average of sixteen years' purchase.

Mr. DORIS

asked whether Mr. Stannel has refused to sell through the Congested Districts Board his estate near Newport, county Mayo; and, if so, will the Board take steps to acquire this congested estate?

Mr. BIRRELL

Mr. Stannel has offered his estate near Newport for sale to the Congested Districts Board, and an offer for purchase will be issued as soon as practicable.

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the Chief Secretary whether the village of Clonmellon, situate in counties Meath and Westmeath, will, if the estate of Lady Chapman is acquired by the Estates Commissioners, be treated as one of those communities referred to by the author of the Land Act of 1903, for whose betterment it was primarily intended?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Estates Commissioners are not at present in a position to state what action, if any, they may take in reference to the premises in Clonmellon, should they acquire the estate referred to.

Mr. O'DOWD

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Percival estate, situate in Tobercurry union, county Sligo, has been purchased by the Congested Districts Board; and, if so, whether, without consultation with the tenants or their representatives, the game rights have been reserved to the landlord against the expressed wishes of the tenants?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Congested Districts Board have purchased the estate referred to, agreeing that the sporting rights are to be reserved for the life of the vendor. This was done after notice had been received objecting to the reservation of such rights.