asked the Minister for Lands whether he can state the number of new agricultural holdings created (a) in County Roscommon, and (b) in the Irish Free State as a whole during the last two years for which figures are available and the average size of such holdings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Holdings.
Mr. Boland
The classified figures in regard to the division of untenanted land during the financial year ended 31st March, 1937, are not yet available. The figures relating to the last two calendar years are as follows:—
In the year 1935 the number of new holdings created on the division of untenanted land for the various classes specified in Section 31 of the Land Act, 1923, and Section 33 of the Land Act, 1933 (as distinct from enlargements of existing uneconomic holdings) was: in County Roscommon 219 holdings of an average size of approximately 20 acres per holding, in An Saorstát as a whole 2,424 holdings of an average size of approximately 22¾ acres per holding. It should be mentioned, however, that the number of new holdings given for that year includes some accommodation plots which it is impracticable to segregate at this stage.
For the year 1936 accommodation plots have been excluded as far as practicable and the net numbers of new holdings created were: in County Roscommon 201 holdings of an average size of 18¼ acres per holding, in An Saorstát 2,137 holdings of an average size of approximately 21 acres per holding.
Will the Minister say if he considers that 20 acres of land is an economic holding?
Mr. Boland
Is not that a separate question?
Yes, that is a separate question.