§ Mr. KILBRIDEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the advertisement of sale of the lands of Tyrrellstown, Castle Rheban, and Newtownbert, county Kildare; is he aware that in the townlands of Old Court and Newtownbert there are five uneconomic holdings and several in the adjoining division of Kilberry; and whether he can say what action the Estates Commissioners will take with a view to purchase these lands in order to relieve congestion and provide for evicted tenants?
§ Mr. BIRRELL:My attention has been called to the advertisement in question. I understand that the lands of Tyrrellstown are held under lease; that the lessee has signed an agreement to purchase from the owners under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and that it is his interest as tenant under such lease which was advertised for sale. The Estates Commissioners have had the lands inspected, but, having regard to the price at which the tenant has agreed to purchase, they cannot see their way to make an offer for his interest. A part of the lands is let to sub-tenants, and the Commissioners, when dealing with the estate, will make inquiry as to the desirability of declaring them to be direct tenants for the purpose of the sale. The Commissioners cannot identify the other lands referred to in the question as pending for sale before them.