§ Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that Thomas Douglas, an evicted tenant who was reinstated on the Keenan estate, near Bally-boy, county Monaghan, townland of Shantanagh, and given possession in May, 1909, is not able to farm his holding because his house is not yet completed; if he is aware that three other tenants who were given possession on the same day have had their houses completed a considerable time ago; and if he can explain the reason for the delay in completing the residence for Douglas, and state when it will be ready for his occupation?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners inform me that the four evicted tenants who received parcels on this estate were asked to come to the district and assist in the building of the houses to be provided for them. Douglas, although he was offered the same wages as he was earning elsewhere, declined to come. The houses of the other tenants who agreed to the Commissioners' proposal have been completed for some time. The officer of the Commissioners who was looking after 659W the building of the house for Douglas found great difficulty in getting tradesmen to work constantly at it, but it is now finished and ready for occupation. Any delay which has occurred in the matter is due to the refusal of Douglas to assist in the building of his own house.