HC Deb 19 December 1916 vol 88 cc1293-4
105. Mr. HAYDEN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that adjoining what is known as the farm of Creggan, in the parish of Moore, close by Ballinasloe, in the county of Roscommon, there is a considerable number of hard-working, industrious, and thrifty occupiers of small economic holdings willing and eager to utilise it for the production of food; and whether, in view of the fact that the owner of this extensive nonresidential grazing tract is in possession of 2,000 acres of grass lands, he will suggest to the Congested Districts Board, to the Estates Commissioners, to the Department of Agriculture, or some other public body dealing with land in Ireland, or interested in the food supply of these countries over which he exercises control, to take immediate steps to have this farm purchased for distribution amongst the small tenants who, at this critical period, will turn it to the best advantage of those countries?

Mr. DUKE

The Congested Districts Board, the Department concerned, inform me that the farm in question is tenanted and that they are not at present in a position to acquire it.

Mr. REDDY

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say why?

Mr. DUKE

They have not the legal powers.

Mr. REDDY

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the late Chief Secretary said they had the powers?

Mr. DUKE

Perhaps the hon. Gentle-man will put that question down. It did not reach me.

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