§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary whether the estate of Mr. N. G. Richardson, near Athenry, was offered for sale to-the Estates Commissioners under the Act of 1903; whether the Congested Districts-Board, in April, 1910, consented to the completion of the purchase by the Estates-Commissioners; whether the Estates Commissioners received a resolution from the Loughrea District Council, and other local bodies, urging upon the Estates Commissioners the desirability of preparing a scheme for this particular estate; and will he explain what steps the Estates Commissioners have taken to carry out the wishes of the Congested Districts Board and the tenants on the estate?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe reply to the first and second paragraphs of the question is in the affirmative. The Congested Districts Board subsequently decided to continue the proceedings for sale and the documents were transferred to the Board by the Estates Commissioners. The Board have made an offer for the purchase of the estate and they are still in communication with the vendor's solicitors regarding it.