asked the Minister for Lands if he will now state when he intends to introduce proposals for legislation providing for the payment of an adequate price for lands acquired by the Land Commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Acquired Lands.
A Bill is in course of preparation but I cannot yet state the date it will be introduced.
Is the Minister aware that he gave the House a very definite assurance that this Bill would be introduced within a short time, at the time when the Land Bill, 1948, was before the House? Is he further aware that during the discussions on the Estimate he indicated that the Bill would be introduced at an early date, and in view of the fact that there is an increase in the activity of the Land Commission in regard to the acquisition of land, would he see that it is introduced without further delay?
It is perfectly true that I was genuinely under the impression that the Bill would have been in shape for introduction before the Estimates were taken. Many difficulties cropped up, however, and I have to take the decision whether we shall rush the Bill and take the risk of flaws occurring in it, or else take our time and have it made as perfect as we possibly can. That is the situation. I am constantly urging those concerned to speed it up and there is no avoidable delay.