HC Deb 10 February 1915 vol 69 cc587-8W
Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the increased necessity for tillage in consequence of the War, the Estates Commissioners are imposing on recipients of parcels of untenanted land any condition to till a portion thereof; and, if they have not power to do this directly, whether they can see their way to allotting parcels of such land only to persons who will undertake and are likely to practice tillage, and recommending tillage in every case with which they and their inspectors have to deal?

Mr. BIRRELL

While the Estates Commissioners have no power to allot land otherwise than in accordance with the Land Purchase Acts, which contain no provisions for restricting the use of such lands on the lines indicated in the question, it is the practice to recommend tillage when the circumstances of the case render that course desirable.