asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what progress has been made in relieving the congestion which exists in the townland of Garrywadreen, Claremorris, County Mayo, and whether, in this connection, the Land Commission have considered the propriety of acquiring the two non-residential holdings of land which were sold in the townland some time ago; and, if so, with what result.

The Land Commission are investigating the possibility of acquiring suitable lands in this area for the relief of the congestion existing there. At a later stage of the rearrangement proceedings the question of the acquisition of other lands either by purchase or exchange will be fully considered.

Would it not be the simplest thing in the world for the Land Commission to acquire, or to purchase, two holdings that are already there—non-residential holdings—and give them for this purpose?

The owners of the two holdings in question may not agree to sell on the one hand or, on the other hand, the law may not permit the Land Commission to acquire the holdings.

These two holdings were grabbed.

That is not correct.

Question No. 8.

Would the Chair permit me to say this? The two holdings in question, I am informed, were purchased by local farmers' sons, both hard-working country boys. The land was not grabbed. It was purchased in the ordinary way. Such is my information.

One of the purchasers in question was the manager of the Claremorris bacon factory, and the other his brother, the foreman in the Claremorris bacon factory.

That is not my information.