§ 23. Mr. P. WHITEasked the Chief Secretary whether he will state the quantity of land in Ireland at present in the hands or under the control of the Congested Districts Board, and the quantity in the hands of the Estates Commissioners; and whether it is proposed, I and, if so, by what means, to utilise any 959 of the land for food-producing purposes, having regard to the threatened scarcity and the present high prices?
§ 24. Mr. WHITEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, having regard to the low wages paid to rural workers in Ireland as compared to England, and to the equally high prices for food prevailing in both countries, it is proposed to introduce legislation enabling county or district councils in Ireland to compulsorily acquire land for the purpose of allotting it to labourers and others willing to cultivate it for food-producing purposes; and, if no legislation is intended, what steps the Government proposes to take to avert famine from the poor who have to purchase every commodity of life?
§ Mr. DUKEA large number of agricultural labourers in Ireland have already been provided with plots of land, and no further action in the direction indicated can be taken at present. The situation is being kept well under observation by the Local Government Board. Should it become necessary, prompt steps will be taken to alleviate any distress that may arise.