§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Chief Secretary what steps have been taken by the Congested Districts Board to expedite the purchase of the Trinity College estate in Portmagee, Caherciveen, and Valentia Island; whether he is aware that an engineer surveyed the whole property on behalf of the college several months ago; and whether renewed representations will be made to the college with a view to completing the purchase without delay?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board are again communicating with the agent in reference to the preparation of the necessary maps and documents. They have no information regarding the survey which is stated to have been made of the property.
§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the practice of the Estates Commissioners when the owner of an ample estate is also tenant of a grazing ranch on an adjoining congested estate for sale to the tenants; whether they make the relief of that congestion by distribution of the ranch a condition of allowing the sale to go through; how much land E. W. Purdon holds in Meath and Westmeath; what total amount of advances he has applied for under the Land Purchase Acts; and, in view of the fact that the ranch he now holds as tenant on the Shaen-Carter estate, Westmeath, was formerly used by the congested tenants on that estate, whether the Commissioners will take advantage of the sale of that estate to acquire the ranch compulsorily or 1880W otherwise for relief of congestion and complete settlement of the estate in one transaction?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIn carrying out sales under the Land Purchase Acts the Estates Commissioners proceed in accordance with the provisions of those Acts, and in dealing with each estate they have regard to its circumstances. Mr. E. W. Purdon does not appear to have instituted proceedings before the Commissioners for the sale of any lands in counties Meath and Westmeath, nor can the Commissioners identify any application by him for advances. The estate referred to in the final paragraph does not appear to be the subject of proceedings for sale before the Commissioners.
§ Mr. LUNDONasked whether the Estates Commissioners have yet inspected the estate of Hugh Massey, Rivers-dale, county Limerick; if so, was the farm of William Hanly, Ballyglanna, Galbally, inspected; are the Estates Commissioners aware that this man Hanly has been paying a rack rent during the past forty years, and, if he purchased on the same terms as the other tenants, would not be able to pay the annuity; and, in view of the circumstances of this particular case, will the Commissioners refuse to sanction the sale of the remainder of the property until this man is fairly dealt with?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThis estate is the subject of proceedings for direct sale from vendor to tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903. When it is being inspected due inquiry will be made as regards any tenants who have not signed purchase agreements. Hanly appears to hold under a judicial rent. The Estates Commissioners cannot express any opinion as regards the final paragraph of the question.