§ Mr. VINCENT KENNEDYasked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners have received a resolution, proposed by Mr. Maguire and seconded by Mr. M'Hugh, demanding that the lands of Port estate, of Crookenden and Casey, county Cavan, be divided amongst the small holders in the district; and will he say if this matter is having the urgent attention of the Commissioners?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. When dealing with the property under the Irish Land Act, 1903; the Estates Commissioners endeavoured to acquire the tenant's interest in the holding with a view to enlarging other holdings on the property, but the tenant refused to sell. He was recently approached again by the Commissioners, but he demanded such a price as the Commissioners could not advance, having regard to the security afforded by the lands for the repayment of land purchase annuities. The Estates Commissioners further understand that the herd claims that on a sale thereof; portion of the farm is to revert to him under an arrangement made when the present tenant acquired the holding. The Commissioners have decided not to take any further action with a view to acquiring the lands for distribution.