HC Deb 09 July 1928 vol 219 cc1833-4
53. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, with regard to the housing estate at Dundrum, County Dublin, which was set up under the Irish Land (Provision for Sailors and Soldiers) Act, 1919, whether the question of permitting ex-service men resident on that estate to purchase their houses has at any time been considered?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Arthur Michael Samuel)

Under paragraph 13 of the Irish Sailors' and Soldiers' Land Trust (Amending) Regulations, 1925, the Trust may, with the approval of the Treasury, make schemes enabling the tenants to purchase the freehold or leasehold of the houses occupied by them. No schemes have yet been made, but I understand that the matter is at present under the consideration of the Trust.

Sir F. HALL

Seeing that this Act was passed in 1919, does the hon. Member not think that by this time some measure should have been taken to enable these ex-service men to purchase their houses?

Mr. SAMUEL

I have just said that I understand that the matter is under consideration.

Sir F. HALL

Has the Financial Secretary noticed that this Act dates from 1919, and can anything be done to assist these men?

Mr. SAMUEL

Everything that can be done to expedite the consideration of the matter will be done, and I have no doubt is being done.

Sir F. HALL

Will steps be taken to expedite the matter?

Mr. SAMUEL

I will convey my hon. and gallant Friend's request to the proper quarter.