§ 78. Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that, owing to the defective method of election, the minority in the three southern provinces of Ireland are totally excluded from any share of local government; and will he say how it is proposed to safeguard the interests of the minority in view of the powers now conferred on local authorities to enter on and distribute land which they may consider is not use fully employed?
§ 79. Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in the distribution of any land now in the possession 1661 of the Congested Districts Board or Estates Commissioners, and which has been acquired from its late owner by Imperial funds or which the Government may acquire in the near future, first claim is in all cases given to applicants who have agricultural skill and who have served, or Are serving, in the forces of the Crown?
§ Mr. DUKEIn the allotment of untenanted land the Estates Commissioners give preference to men, otherwise qualified for land under the Land Purchase Acts, who have served or are serving in the Army or Navy, or who have members of their families so serving. The Congested Districts Board will continue to consider most favourably applications from eligible persons who have or had sons serving in the Army or Navy, or who have themselves so served.