Captain CRAIGasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain ratepayers in the Finaghy district, Belfast, have petitioned the Northern Irish Government to prevent ex-service men's cottages being built in their midst on the grounds that it is a popular residential neighbourhood composed of houses ranging from £l,O00 to £2,000 in value, and that the erection of a number of cottages, whose cost is not to exceed £500 each, would seriously interfere with the amenities of the district; that the ratepayers in question assert that they have indicated to the Irish Land Trust other suitable sites where the erection of such cottages 1680W would not depreciate the value of adjoining properties; and whether lie will have inquiries made as to the reasonableness of the ratepayers' objections and, if satisfied thereon, will request the Irish Land Trust to select other sites for their cottages?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am informed that negotiations to acquire the site referred to have been proceeding for nearly two years, and in order to meet the objections mentioned in the question alternative sites have been considered, but so far no land possessing the necessary sanitary and other facilities has been found. The site has good tramway and railway facilities, and is so close to Belfast that it may be expected the district will be built over in course of time. If another suitable site near Finaghy, possessing the same conveniences, can be offered at a reasonable price, I have no doubt the Irish Sailors and Soldiers' Land Trust will be prepared to reconsider the matter.