asked the Minister for Lands if he will state in respect of the latest year for which statistics are available the number of acres of land let by the Land Commission for (1) tillage and (2) grazing; further, if he will state whether he proposes to discontinue the practice of letting land on the 11 months' system by the Land Commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Letting of Lands.
It has been invariably the practice of the Land Commission to let lands which have come into their possession, pending allotment or rearrangement. Thus, the position is in a constant state of flux because each winter and spring some of these lands are being allotted while fresh land is constantly coming in, either by way of acquisition, resumption or holdings surrendered by migrants. The latest period for which statistics are available is the year ended 31st December, 1953, and the figure then was 25,182 acres let in grazing, and 3,140 acres let in tillage.
I do not understand the meaning of the latter part of the Deputy's question, as if the Land Commission discontinue the letting of land it is obvious that a serious wastage and inconvenience will occur, as in most cases smallholders are most anxious to get the temporary use of these lands.