asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he will state whether the Land Commission have yet acquired the Mrs. Porters Estate, Burt, Co. Donegal, for division amongst the landless men of that district.

The estate to which the Deputy refers is apparently the holding of Mr. Robert Edwards, comprising about 243 acres of the lands of Mulleny, which he holds, subject to a Land Purchase annuity. It is at present the subject of proceedings for acquisition under the provisions of the Land Act, 1923. These lands come within the exceptions mentioned in Section 24 (2) (a) of the said Act, and the owner has lodged an objection to acquisition.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary state whether proceedings for acquisition were supposed to be taken so far back as November, 1928, and will he give any reason for the delay in bringing the matter to a final conclusion?

I explained that the lands are subject to a Land Commission annuity, and it is very unlikely that the Land Commission will be able to acquire them.

Is the estate in question not untenanted land?

No, fee simple.