asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the tillage lands on the Scatternagh Estate at Bolies, Duleek, County Meath, which were advertised for public letting, were sold by an inspector of the Land Commission at £1 per acre, while applicants who attended for the public letting were debarred from bidding, although prepared to give up to £3 per acre; if he will state why this letting was taken out of the auctioneer's hands; and why the market value was not secured; and if he is aware that the giving of lands before the auction can take place is a common practice by Land Commission inspectors.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Letting of Meath Lands.
I have had inquiry made into the matters raised by the Deputy and I am assured by the Land Commission that there is no foundation, in fact, for the suggestions in his question. The Scatternagh lands mentioned were the subject of a public auction from which no applicant was debarred from bidding. Only one bid was, in fact, made and that bid was for £1 per acre. In the absence of any other hope of letting the lands, this bid was reluctantly accepted by the auctioneer, after consultation with the Land Commission inspector in attendance.
As regards the last part of the Deputy's question, I am not aware of any such practice as the giving of lands before an auction can take place. I would be glad to know what particular grounds, if any, the Deputy has for this statement.