§ 8. Mr. P. MEEHANasked whether, in connection with the food production scheme in Ireland, it has been decided to give powers and facilities to the Estates Commissioners to acquire at once for division suitable untenanted grazing lands which had been practically acquired by agreement in semi-congested districts, where there are plenty of applicants able and willing to till the holdings allotted to them, the acquisition of which has been postponed by slight financial difficulties and small technicalities?
§ Mr. DUKEWhere agreements have been made for the acquisition of lands by the Estates Commissioners they are, I believe, being carried into effect. Compulsory purchase can legally be made for the relief of congestion, but not for the increase of tillage, and it involves payments in cash which would not be practicable during the War.