§ Mr. SCANLANasked the Chief Secretary if he will explain the delay on the part of the Congested Districts Board in acquiring the Middleton estate at Rosses. Point, county Sligo; whether he is aware that the tenants and others have repeatedly approached the Board with the view of having the estate purchased, and that the landlord's representatives are willing to negotiate for a sale; and whether he can now give an assurance that the Board will take prompt action in this matter, recognising the acutely congested condition of the district?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts. Board inform me that delay in carrying out this sale is due to the fact that an agree- 51W ment has not yet been arrived at as to the extent of land to be sold by the owner. The matter is in the hands of the Board's inspector and no definite answer can be given at present