asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the Land Commission has informed the County Galway Committee of Agriculture that it has no power to let the limekiln situated at Oughterard; and whether, in view of the importance of lime in Connemara, he will take steps to have the requisite power conferred on the commission or, in the alternative, to secure the production of lime by the Land Commission itself for sale to smallholders.

The reason that the Land Commission are at present precluded from dealing with the limekiln at Oughterard is that a question is involved of title to the plot on which the limekiln is situated. This question is under investigation and the disposition of the kiln cannot be settled until a decision is made.

Would the Minister undertake to secure the production of lime by the Land Commission itself?

On account of the legal difficulties regarding title, the Land Commission cannot use the kiln themselves. I think there will have to be an arrangement by which some other body will undertake the work.

Will the Minister say definitely whether the taking over of land by the Land Commission is finished until the emergency is over?

I do not think that question arises.

Are we to assume that the Land Commission will not take over any more land? Is that the Minister's contention? Will the Minister answer, Sir?

I did not hear the supplementary question.

Will the Minister state definitely that the Land Commission will take over no more land until the emergency is over?

That does not arise.