§ Mr. FITZPATRICKasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any, have been taken to comply with the increased tillage scheme on the Killeany estate, Queen's County, containing 865 acres, the property of Major Marsh; if he is aware that an offer was made for the purchase of part of this estate by the Estates Commissioners three years ago; that the owner has since notified the Estates Commissioners that he is unwilling to sell at present; and, as several -uneconomic holders in this district have applied to the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture for allotments on this estate under the food-production scheme, what action the Department intend taking should the owner fail to carry out the increased tillage scheme?
§ Mr. DUKEShortly before the outbreak of war, the owner of the Marsh estate expressed his willingness to sell the property under the Land Purchase Acts and was furnished with an estimate of the price, but as the purchase money would be payable in 3 per cent. stock, the owner informed the Estates Commissioners he could not proceed with the sale. Formal proceedings have not been instituted. As to the question of tillage, the inquiries of the Department of Agriculture are proceeding.
§ Mr. FITZPATRICKasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that several smallholders and labourers applied for allotments under the Government food-production scheme on Lord Castletown's Granstown grazing ranch which contains about 300 acres; that his agent, Major Hamilton, refused to let any of this land, stating that he had made arrangements for the present year; and, as the land has been let to two large graziers in this dis- 1562W trict, what steps the Department of Agriculture intend taking in this case to have the Government increased tillage scheme carried out?
§ Mr. P. WHITEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how much of the Wade estate, Clonabraney, county Meath, has been let for grazing this year on the eleven months' system, to whom it has been let, and upon what rent per acre; having regard to the fact that there were numerous local applicants prepared to cultivate it, why it was not permanently divided or, failing that, let in conacre for tillage purposes; and whether, as in response to the charge made by the hon. Member for North Meath that the Commissioners were frustrating the intentions of Parliament in withholding this land acquired for the purpose of permanent distribution he stated that he would inquire into the facts, he is now prepared to state the result of his investigations?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Estates Commissioners are cultivating about 300 acres on this estate, and they have set about 260 acres in temporary grazing lettings. The greater portion of the land let for grazing is unsuitable for cultivation. Lettings have been made to W. J. Wilson, of Kells, and to Daniel Neill, caretaker on the property, and the average rent is approximately £2 an acre. There were no local applications for conacre lettings, and the local labourers are being employed on the lands which the Commissioners are cultivating.
§ Mr. LUNDONasked whether the Department of Agriculture really intends to carry out the powers vested in them under the tillage scheme against landholders who will not comply with the orders issued; and upon what date the Department propose to enter into such lands?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture are carrying out their powers. The date of entry on the lands of occupiers who have not complied with the Tillage Regulations will depend upon the circumstances of each case. In cases where the Department have so far considered it necessary to enter upon lands the occupiers have given way and have undertaken to comply with the Tillage Regulations. Other cases are pending and will be dealt with during the week.
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§ Mr. CRUMLEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been called to the resolution of the Lough Erne Drainage Board to the effect that, in view of the floods along the course of rivers emptying into Upper Lough Erne and along its banks, which prevailed on the 21st ultimo, application be made to the Department of Agriculture and Commissioners of Public Works to seek authority from Parliament to lower the statutory levels of the upper and lower lakes by at least two feet in order that the farmers, if compelled to till any of the land in the Lough Erne drainage area may have some security for their crops; and what steps the Department, the Commissioners, and the Executive have taken or propose to take in the matter?
§ Mr. DUKEThe resolution of the Drainage Board has been received by the Commissioners of Public Works. Land liable to flooding cannot, in the opinion of the Commissioners, be described as arable, and occupiers cannot be called upon to till such land.