58. Mr. COSGRAVEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Regulations as to tillage have been complied with by the occupiers of untenanted and grazing farms in the rural districts of Portumna, Mountbellew, Ballinasloe, and Glennamaddy, county Galway; and, if not, what steps the Department of Agriculture have taken or propose to take, with regard to the defaulters and the arable lands which have to be tilled, and which numerous occupiers of uneconomic holdings are willing and anxious to till if they are permitted to do so and if the lands are let at a moderate rent?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)The information at the disposal of the Department of Agriculture indicates that, generally speaking, the occupiers of land in the districts mentioned are taking or propose to take, steps to comply with the compulsory Tillage Regulations, either by carrying out the necessary cultivation themselves or by conacre lettings. In cases where occupiers fail to comply with the Regulations the Department will take the steps provided for under the Regulations.
§ Mr. DORISCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Department will take this into consideration, as it is a very urgent matter?
60. Mr. COSGRAVEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any, have been taken to comply with the tillage scheme on the following grazing ranches 901 in county Galway: Ballinavilla, 180 acres, the property of Mr. Frank Shaw Taylor, Castle Taylor, Ardraghan; Gurtnahoon, 100 acres, the property of Mrs. Egan, Lime Hill; and West Ballydonlan, 200 acres, owned by Mr. George K. Mahon Mahon, Ballydonelon, Kilrickle; and when the Department of Agriculture hope to make allotments to the neighbouring small landholders on the portions of such grazing lands in respect of which the present occupiers are in default?
§ Mr. DUKEThis matter is being dealt with by the Department of Agriculture, but I have no information at present which warrants me in identifying any individual occupier as a person who is in default.