§ 13. Mr. Haleasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the houses in Northern Ireland, vested in the Irish Sailors' and Soldiers' Land Trust, have been sold to ex-Service men tenants and to the widows of ex-Service men to the most recent convenient date for computation; and at what average price.
§ Mr. ErrollThe sale of houses by the Irish Sailors' and Soldiers' Land Trust is not a matter for which the Chancellor of the Exchequer is responsible and I would suggest that the hon. Member should make inquiry of the Trust.
§ Mr. HaleIs the Minister aware that when tenants made inquiries of the council they had to wait for four-and-a half months for a reply, that similar houses in the Irish Free State are subject to a court of appeal ruling, being let rent-free to tenants, and that there is great distress and anxiety amongst these tenants? As the Treasury houses the Irish Land Trust, is there not such a responsibility that the Chancellor might well receive a deputation on this matter?
§ Mr. ErrollNo. I have already stated that the Chancellor has no responsibility. I suggest that the hon. Member's question should be directed to the Trust.