§ Mr. SCANLANasked whether the Estates Commissioners have agreed with the Congested Districts Board that the estate of Major O'Hara, situated near Collooney, county Sligo, should be dealt with by the latter body in order that the uneconomic holdings of the tenants might be approved; whether objection has been taken to this course by the landlord or any other parties interested; and what action the Chief Secretary proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThis estate is not the subject of proceedings for sale to either the Estates Commissioners or the Con-1680W gested Districts Board. It is the subject of direct sale proceedings by the owner to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and will be dealt with by the Commissioners when reached in order of priority on the principal register of direct sales (all cash). The Commissioners have no power to transfer the sale of this estate to the Congested Districts Board without the consent of the owner, and they understand that it is not his wish that there should be any interference with the direct sale proceedings already instituted by him.
§ Mr. SCANLANalso asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Owen Phibbs estate, Abbeytown, county Sligo, has been offered by the proprietor to the Congested Districts Board; whether he will state what steps have been taken to complete the purchase; and when it is expected to have the sale and transfer carried into effect?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board have no information regarding Mr. Owen Phibbs estate at Abbeytown. The estate of Mr. Owen Phibbs at Carricknagat has been offered for sale through the Board, and they have decided to make an offer for purchase which will shortly be issued.
§ Mr. SCANLANnext asked whether the Congested Districts Board have acquired the estate of Colonel Campbell, situated at Carricknagat, county Sligo; and, if the purchase has not yet been completed, will the Chief Secretary state the stage which the negotiations for purchase have at present reached?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board have no information regarding Colonel Campbell's estate at Carricknagat. Colonel Campbell's Abbeytown estate has been offered for sale through the Board, and a decision will be arrived at regarding purchase as soon as practicable.