§ MR. GINNELL (Westmeath, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that there are in Westmeath more than 60,000 acres of untenanted land; and whether, in view of the need for its distribution, the number of persons who must emigrate if not provided with land, and the danger of the land being permanently disposed of otherwise under the Act which contemplated its distribution, he will ask the Estates Commissioners to institute an inexpensive preliminary inquiry as to whether this land would be sold to them voluntarily; and, if so, at what price.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I understand that there are some 80,000 acres of untenanted land in county Westmeath. I would willingly call the attention of the Estates Commissioners to the position of the county, but I believe them to be already possessed of the facts and of the need for action. I have already stated that the Commissioners intend to inquire from the owners of all untenanted land, which may be suitable for distribution, whether they are prepared to sell. The Commission to be appointed to deal with congestion will also take the condition of the untenanted land in the county into their consideration.