HC Deb 03 April 1913 vol 51 cc577-8W
Mr. LUNDON

asked when the estate of Bray and others, of Tankardstown, Kilmallock, county Limerick, will be vested in the tenants; when the agreements were lodged; and what is the cause of delay in not having the sale completed?

Mr. BIRRELL

This estate is the subject of proceedings for sale direct by the owner to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903. The purchase agreements were lodged in October, 1907. The estate is on the principal register of direct sales and will be dealt with in order of priority, but having regard to the claims of other estates, the Estates Commissioners are not at present in a position to say when it will be reached.

Mr. HAZLETON

asked what progress is being made by the Congested Districts Board with the settlement of the Taffe estate, Milltown, county Galway, bought by the Board some time ago; and whether the non-residential farms held by Mr. Blake and Mr. Mannion on the estate are to be divided up among the tenants?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Congested Districts Board are in negotiaion for the acquisition of the non-residential holdings on the estate referred to, and when they have obtained possession of these holdings, and the estate is vested in the Board, the resale of the property will be proceeded with.

Mr. O'MALLEY

asked the Chief Secretary whether the St. Ledger Higgins estate, Maam West, and the Higgins M'Carthy estate; Townalean, Connemara, have been inspected by the Congested Districts Board with a view to purchase; and, if so, will he state when those estates are likely to be purchased, the landlords in both cases being anxious to sell and the tenants to acquire them through the Congested Districts Board?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Congested Districts Board have made an offer for the purchase of the St. Ledger Higgins Estate which has not yet been accepted. With regard to the other estates referred to, the maps and documents necessary for a preliminary inspection to be made have been lodged with the Board, and the property will be inspected and a decision arrived at regarding purchase as soon as practicable.