HC Deb 14 March 1918 vol 104 cc456-7
6. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Chief Secretary if he will take steps to fix the rent to be charged for land for food production in Ireland?

Mr. DUKE

I would refer the hon. Member to an answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for North Kildare on 21st January. In view of the importance of the matter, I would add that the tillage Regulations now in force have rendered very large areas of land subject compulsorily to cultivation, and that in all cases when the full powers of the tillage scheme are put in operation the lands in question are let at prices fixed at auction or decided by the Department of Agriculture.

Mr. BYRNE

Is it not the fact that the rent charged by the landowner is largely responsible for the increased food prices?

Mr. DUKE

That is rather a long shot. It is my impression that that is not the fact, but I am aware there is a tendency in some quarters to increase prices, but I do not think that is so general as the hon. Member suggests, and it is corrected, moreover, by the determination of some people in Ireland, who are well aware of the value of land, not to pay more than a proper price.