§ Mr. HAYDENasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a new holding on the Balfe estate, county Roscommon, was given by the Estates Commissioners to a man named M'Govern in exchange for another holding which he surrendered, and that, in addition, a fine of £50 had to be paid by him for the new holding; whether, in any other similar case of transfer from one holding to another, any fine has been paid; and whether he will explain the circumstances of this transaction?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners allotted to Patrick M'Govern 22 acres on the Balfe estate, county Roscommon, in exchange for a smaller holding of 14 acres on an adjoining estate, and they expended £127 on buildings and fences on the new holding. Of this sum M'Govern repaid £50 in cash, and £20 is repayable in the purchase annuity. No fine was paid in this or any similar case.