§ Mr. FARRELLasked whether the Department of Agriculture will use its compulsory powers to enable the uneconomic holders of Saints Island, county Long ford, to obtain portion of the untenanted lands on the island from Captain W. Bond, D.L., the owner, for food-production purposes; and how soon will action be taken in this direction?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture in all cases in which they are satisfied that an owner does not intend to comply with the compulsory tillage Regulations are taking steps to ensure compliance with the Regulations.
§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if an inspector visited the lands of Mrs. Crosbie at New Garden, Castleconnell, with the object of taking 725W them up for distribution among the small tenants on the property; what sum was asked for these lands by the landlord's representative, and what was the valuation put by the Commissioners' inspector; did the Commissioners make an offer to the landlord; and, if not, what was the reason; is he aware that the distribution of these lands is very necessary; and will steps be taken to try and come to an agreement as to the value of the lands so that they may be distributed?
§ Mr. DUKEA preliminary inspection was made of the untenanted land which the owner proposed to sell to the Estates Commissioners for distribution in connection with the land which is the subject of proceedings for sale by the owner direct to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903. So far as the Commissioners are aware, the owner has not specified the price, of the untenanted land. The estate is not yet in priority to be dealt with by the Commissioners, and it was not practicable to purchase the untenanted land and to prepare a scheme for decision and resale in time for tillage this season. The owner has been notified to arrange for the cultivation of the land in accordance with the compulsory tillage Regulations, and she was informed that if she set the land in conacre lettings it would not interfere with or delay the proceedings for sale. The question of making an offer for the untenanted lands will be considered by the Commissioners as soon as practicable.
§ Mr. LUNDONasked why the Estates Commissioners did not take up the untenanted land on the Rose and Shiel estate at Cahirconlish, county Limerick, so that the allotments may be given to the village tenants on the same property; was the owner anxious that the land should be taken over and was it the Commissioners' power to do so; if so, on what grounds was it done instead of allowing an extensive grazier to take up the lands to the detriment of the poor of the village; and will immediate steps be taken to acquire these lands from this grazier and distribute them among the deserving applicants so that they may produce food for their families?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Estates Commissioners did not find it practicable to complete the purchase of the lands referred to and arrange for their division and resale in time for tillage this season. The726W Commissioners were, asked to take over the lands, but in the circumstances the owners were informed they should continue to make arrangements for their user. The forma] offer to purchase the lands, together with some outstanding holdings, will be made as soon as possible.
§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a feeling of dissatisfaction prevails in certain parts of Ireland at the contempt with which large graziers have treated the demands for extra tillage; is he aware that the average Irish farmer is of the belief that whilst they are being forced to do almost the impossible the grazier and other large landholders are not being pressed to do their duty, and will escape through influence and other means; and will he take immediate stops to see that those bullock walks will have to give way to the plough, in the same manner as the land of the ordinary farmer has to?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture are not aware of any such feeling as that referred to. There is no foundation for the suggestion that differential treatment is accorded to certain classes of holders in the enforcement of the compulsory tillage Regulations. The Department are taking steps to ensure that the Regulations shall be complied with by all occupiers affected.
§ Mr. KENNEDYasked how much land at Ballyhaise department is available for tillage; how much was tilled in 1915 and 1916; how much will be tilled in 1917, and stating the different crops for the years 1915 and 1916; and what it is proposed to crop in the present year?
§ Mr. DUKEThe total arable area at Ballyhaise agricultural station is 460 acres, of which 123 acres were cultivated in 1915, and 103 acres in 1916. Arrangements have been made to cultivate 153 acres in the present year. The crop grown in the years 1915 and 1916 were potatoes, mangels, turnips, cabbage, wheat, oats, and hay, and similar crops will be grown in 1917.