HC Deb 31 July 1906 vol 162 cc712-3
MR. EDWARD BARRY (Cork County, S.)

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland whether any steps have yet † See (4) Debates, clvi., 416 (Reply to W. Wilkie) been taken as provided in Section 13, Subsection 3, of the Land Purchase Act of 1903, to give to the Land Commission powers to lease or sublet mining rights on lands purchased by them; whether, seeing that, from inquiries made in various parts of the country, the prospects of mining in Ireland are far beyond what was ever before believed, steps will be immediately taken to give to the Land Commission the power of leasing and sub-letting, and thus help to develop the prosperity of the country.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. CHERRY,) Liverpool Exchange

It has been decided that legislation will be necessary to enable the Land Commission to dispose of the mineral rights vested in them under Section 13 (3) of the Act of 1903. The question of introducing such legislation is under the consideration of the Government, and a Bill is being prepared for the purpose.