HC Deb 01 March 1917 vol 90 cc2125-6
16. Mr. FLAVIN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a deputation representative of people living in Listowel recently waited on Lord Listowel requesting him to give land in his possession for tillage which is now let for grazing; whether he can say how much land Lord Listowel owns and is in possession of in and around Listowel; and whether he can also state how much of this land which is in his possession he has offered to the local committee for the growing of food and employing the poor of the district?

Mr. DUKE

I am told that the Chairman of the Listowel Uuban District Council recently waited on Lord Listowel to ask him to give some land for the purpose of tillage plots for the poor. Lord Listowel owns about 144 acres near Listowel, of which about 18 acres are under tillage. He offered 9 acres to the deputation for tillage purposes.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Lord Listowel has sold his estate and has received about a quarter of a million of money as a result of the sale? Is he also aware that the only land offered to the local council is land in occupation for the accommodation and purposes of the people of the town in the quarter where milk is being produced for their families?

Mr. DUKE

The only information I asked for was for the purpose of answering this question.

Mr. FLAVIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries? Will he also inquire how much land is in the possession of Mr. Marshall Hill, Lord Listowel's under-agent, and what amount of tillage is now being carried out by Mr. Hill?

Mr. DUKE

If the hon. Member puts a question down I will endeavour to answer it.

17. Mr. FLAVIN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Listowel Rural District Council prepared a scheme for the cultivation and letting in conacre the vacant and derelict land at Doon, near Ballybunion; whether he is aware that the Listowel Rural District Council have been in communication with the Department of Agriculture, Dublin, for over a month; and whether he will ask the Department to give an immediate and favourable reply to the council, so that this land can be ploughed for increased food production this spring?

Mr. DUKE

The matter is under discussion between the Department of Agriculture and the council.

Mr. FLAVIN

Will the right hon. Gentle, man facilitate a quick decision in order that this land may be acquired by the Listowel Rural District Council for the increased production of food this spring?