§ 19. Mr. DIXONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how much land in Ireland has been allotted by the Land Commissioners to Irish farmers since the rebellion in Easter week, 1916; how many of those Irish farmers were of military age; and if he will undertake that no more land is allotted until the requirements of all Irishmen who have fought in the War have been fully satisfied?
§ Mr. DUKESince the 1st April, 1916, the Estates Commissioners have distributed 13,859 acres of untenanted land, and in the allotment they have given a preference where practicable to men who have sewed or are serving, in the present ' War, or who have members of their families so serving. The Estates Commissioners have no information as to the ages of the purchasers. The giving of special recognition in the allotment of available land to men who have served in the War and are capable of occupying land to advantage is, in my opinion, a very desirable thing, and I hope steps to give increased effect to this view will be found practicable.
§ Major NEWMANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a great many cases in which men who have served or are serving have been refused allotments of land?
§ Mr. DUKEThat is a very general question. If any particular cases are submitted to me, I will investigate them.
§ Major NEWMANMight I send the right hon. Gentleman a case?
§ Mr. DUKEThere are many parts of Ireland in which the list, having regard to area and population, is a large one. The numbers of recruits drawn from various areas differ very much, as hon. Members below the Gangway know.