asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (a) whether the contract for houses, now being built on the O'Connor estate at Moneymore, Emly, was given to a Mr. Droney without being advertised in the usual way for tender; and, if so, if he will give reasons; (b) what is the contract price per house.

The buildings referred to by the Deputy are being constructed by the Land Commission under an arrangement made with Mr. Droney, which did not call either for tenders or for the usual form of contract.

What is the reason for the exception in this case? Why was not the usual procedure followed of having the houses advertised for tender, as is done in all cases by the Land Commission?

Owing to the campaign which existed in this area for a prolonged period to interfere with the operations of the Land Commission on this estate, it has been necessary for the Land Commission to make special arrangements to have these houses built.

Are the Land Commission afraid that they would get nobody else to tender for those houses?