§ Mr. FARRELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. W. J. Bond, D.L., has informed the Member for North Longford that he is willing to sell the lands of Coolcraff to the Estates Commissioners if he gets a fair 2156W price; whether he is aware that part of the objection to sell arises from the fact that he is required to pay off a drainage loan on the property in respect principally of the river which adjoins; and whether the Government will abate their charges in view of the importance of securing this land for division amongst the people of North Longford?
§ Mr. DUKEThe hon. Member informed the Estates Commissioners some years ago that the owner had expressed his willingness to sell the lands mentioned in the question to the Commissioners provided he was satisfied as to price. A preliminary inspection was made and the Commissioners intimated to the owner the sum they would be prepared to advance in Guaranteed Three per Cent. Stock under the Irish Land Act, 1909, if formal proceedings were instituted for sale under the Land Purchase Acts. Up to the present the owner has not instituted such proceedings. If the lands are subject to a drainage charge it must, pursuant to the provisions of the Land Purchase Acts, be redeemed on the allocation of the purchase money.