§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the congested and landless people in the neighbourhood of Caraun ranch on the Reid and McEndoo estate, Westmeath, which is for sale in the Land Judges' Court, have repeatedly petitioned the Estates Commissioners to purchase that ranch for distribution among them, undertaking to pay such price as the Commissioners found the land to be worth; if he will ascertain whether any action has been taken on those petitions; whether the Commissioners have made themselves acquainted with the local need for the land; and whether they have made or will make an offer for it?
§ Mr. BIRRELLProceedings for the sale of this estate are pending in Court of the Land Judge. The lands have been the subject of cattle-driving for which 13 persons have been attached by order of the court, and the Estates Commissioners have decided to take no steps at present with a view to acquiring the lands.