§ Mr. JOHN O'DONNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that lands acquired by the Congested Districts Board in the vicinity of Newport, county Mayo, have for several years past and since coming into the hands of the Board been let on the 11 months' system as grazing land; will he say what steps the Board intend taking with a view to have this land, now used as grazing ranches, split up amongst the tenants in its neighbourhood; and when will that present policy be discontinued?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board are owners of the tenancy interest only of the lands referred to, which are on the O'Donel estate. This property is offered for sale in the Land Judge's Court, and the Board intend to purchase it when funds are available. In the case of this and several other estates the Board have had, owing to the want of funds for improvement works, to postpone making offers pending some addition to their income, and in the meantime the lands must be let in grazing, the Board having no power to stripe or otherwise interfere with them.