asked the Minister for Lands if he will take steps to have all undivided farms in the hands of the Land Commission rented to local farmers for tillage conacre, where so requested, at a rent equal to the Land Commission annuity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Renting of Land Commission Farms.
It is the practice of the Land Commission to let for grazing or conacre tillage such undivided lands in their possession as are suitable therefor. The lands are largely rented by local farmers and the rents received are utilised as a set-off against liabilities in respect of the land, such as interest on the purchase money, rates. herds' wages, etc. Rents equal to the annuities would not cover these charges.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he not aware that the Land Commission, who have certain holdings in their hands awaiting division, are renting the land at £5 and £6 an acre, and does he suggest that it is necessary to charge from £1 to £5 of an annual rent per acre for that land in order to arrange for the upkeep of the property? Is that in keeping with the efforts that are now being made for the production of food for the community?
I am informed by the Land Commission that these lettings are usually held by public auction, except in the case of small local tenants.
Is the Minister not aware that the Land Commission are deliberately making a surplus profit by dividing such lands at a rent of from £5 to £6 per acre, and making a charge for the upkeep of these lands of from £1 to £5 per acre? Where does the encouragement for food production come in there?