asked the Minister for Fisheries if he is aware that the De Clifford estate, County Mayo, was taken over by the Congested Districts Board in 1911; that acute congestion exists on that estate; that no effort has been made to relieve the congestion during that period, and if he will state what steps are being taken to acquire the large grazing ranches held by Messrs. Cowan and Algie on that estate, for the purpose of providing economic holdings to tenants whose valuation is under £10.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - GRAZING RANCHES IN CO. MAYO.
The Land Commission are negotiating with Messrs. Cowan and Algie for the acquisition of the lands referred to. The Deputy asked a question regarding this estate (de Clifford) on 27th ult. to which I replied as follows:—
"With regard to the resale of the portion of the De Clifford estate not re-sold, which consists largely of small holdings, the Land Commission are still in negotiation for additional lands to improve them, and do not think it desirable to proceed further in the matter until these additional lands have been acquired."