asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the clause compelling tillage to be carried out the same year as reclamation is militating against the successful operation of the Land Reclamation Scheme in congested districts, and that this Order does not apply to land reclaimed under this scheme where the valuation is over £10; and if he will now agree to alter the rule which applies to small farms and holdings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tillage Order and Reclamation Schemes.
I am not prepared to admit that the regulation requiring tillage to be carried out the same year as reclamation is militating against the successful operation of land reclamation under the Farm Improvements Scheme in congested districts. The requirement as to tillage applies to holdings over £10 valuation where tillage of reclaimed land is considered necessary to render it productive or where the arable land in the holding is considered insufficient. The present regulation whereby tillage of reclaimed land is required on holdings where the valuation on the agricultural land is £10 or under has worked satisfactorily and I am not prepared to alter it.
Is the Minister aware that lime and artificial manure applied to land on which drains have been just opened and closed are partly wasted and that it normally takes two or three years after the drain has been closed to drain the land; if he will reconsider the decision from the point of view that lime and manures are being wasted and only insist on tillage being done two years after the drainage has been completed?
Of course a lot depends on the type of land. If it is land that has been water-logged for a good many years where drainage is necessary, tillage is not insisted on in the first year. But, in most of these reclamation schemes, tillage is insisted upon the first year and works very satisfactorily.