HC Deb 28 June 1917 vol 95 c532
1. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the present state of the negotiations with respect to the Kilballyowen, West Clare, grass lands; whether he can give any indication, even approximative, of the time when it will be reached; and whether, in view of the number of uneconomic holders who are ready to enter upon these lands, he will urge that the business be expedited?

Mr. DUKE

The case is one of a large number pending before the Estates Commissioners. Agreements have been signed, but the Commissioners cannot at present say when the estate will be reached in its turn. When reached it will be dealt with as rapidly as possible.

Mr. LYNCH

Even on the score of our food supply should not all business of this sort be expedited?

Mr. DUKE

I do not think that the legal ownership of land is very relevant to the question of food supplies. The land would grow just as much whoever owned the land.