HC Deb 14 August 1913 vol 56 cc2672-3W
Mr. DORIS

asked whether Major Browne has offered his estate in Breaghy, Castlebar, county Mayo, for sale through the Congested Districts Board?

Mr. BIRRELL

The estate of Major Browne, Breaghy, county Mayo, has not been offered for sale through the Congested Districts Board.

Mr. DORIS

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have yet issued offers for the estates of Lord Vaux, Mr Roche-Kelly, and Mr. Stannel, in the district of Newport, county Mayo; and what stages the proceedings for purchase of these estates by the Board have reached?

Mr. BIRRELL

The documents in reference to the estate of Lord Vaux were only lodged with the Congested Districts Board on the 9th July, 1913, and the question of making an offer has not yet been considered. The Board's offer for Mr. Michael Roche-Kelly's estate was accepted on the 5th January, 1913. The Board have decided to make an offer for Mr. Stannel's estate, and it will be issued as soon as practicable.

Mr. DORIS

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Mr. Walter Joyce has offered his property in Breaghy, county Mayo, for sale through the Congested Districts Board; and, if so, whether his large tract of grazing land is included in the offer?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Congested Districts Board communicated with Mr. Joyce's solicitor regarding the sale of his estate at Breaghy, county Mayo, and were informed that Mr. Joyce is unwilling to negotiate except on a cash basis. The Board have taken no further action in the matter.

Mr. HAVILAND-BURKE

asked why no inspection has yet been made of the Ashtowne estate, Brackna, King's County, although it has been offered to the Estates Commissioners; and whether, in view of the growing unrest among the people of this district, their poverty, and the burden cast upon them by the rate they will have to pay for the maintenance of fifty extra police in connection with the Ballynowlart grazing lands of this estate, the Estates Commissioners will press forward the purchase proceedings as being urgent?

Mr. BIRRELL

The necessary maps and documents to enable the Estates Commissioners to make an inspection of the lands referred to have not been lodged, and until this is done the Commissioners cannot take any further action in the matter.