§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked whether the Estates Commissioners have taken any steps to acquire the untenanted lands of Fanningstown, Croom, in the county of Limerick, the property of James F. Bannaytine, with the view to having them apportioned among the evicted tenants, small holders and labourers in the locality?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners instituted proceedings under the Evicted Tenants Act in reference to these lands, but having subsequently ascertained that they were being worked by the owner mainly as an experimental tillage farm, they decided to discontinue the proceedings.
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYalso asked whether the Estates Commissioners have acquired the untenanted lands of Carrigeen, Croom, in the county of Limerick, the property of Lord Dunraven; if not, whether they have taken any steps to do so; and whether, in the event of their acquiring these lands, they will consider the claims of the small holders and labourers in the locality for a portion of the same?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners have not yet acquired the lands referred to, but proceedings for sale are pending before them, and in the preparation of any scheme of allotment the requirements of small holders and labourers in the neighbourhood will be duly considered.