asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of acquiring for the purpose of division the lands in Fingerstown, belonging to Mr. Laurence Smith, of Germinagh, Nobber, County Meath; and, if so, with what result.

There is no townland of Fingerstown and the Land Commission have no proceedings in respect of a Smith estate in the area mentioned. If the Deputy furnishes correct particulars, I will have further inquiries made.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what stage has been reached in the acquisition of the Mary J. Coleman estate (Record No. S. 9859).

The Land Commission have obtained possession of this estate.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what stage has been reached in the acquisition of the estate of Mr. J. Breen (Record No. 9876).

An objection to acquisition has been disallowed, but an appeal on price is pending for hearing.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what stage has been reached in the acquisition of the estate of Mr. C. Brogan (Record No. 20005).

The stage fixed is that of price fixation, the Land Commission's highest offer having been refused.

asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of taking over and striping the lands of the Shaw Minor estate, Tallagh, Belmullet, and of having those lands divided amongst the uneconomic land holders in the area; and, if so, with what result.

The question of the acquisition of these lands is under consideration, but a decision has not yet been taken.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the progress made by the Land Commission towards taking over the lands of Mr. Rufus Carson, Tallagh, Belmullet, and if he is aware of the very poor holdings of land in the immediate vicinity of those lands; and, if so, whether he will stress to the Land Commission the urgency of dividing this estate immediately.

The Land Commission have obtained possession of most of the lands in question and the proceedings in respect of the balance are nearing completion.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the number of farms in County Clare (a) which the Land Commission have now ready for acquisition and distribution and the approximate area of each farm; (b) which they have actually on hands at the moment, the approximate area of each farm and the method of husbandry employed by them in respect of each farm, and (c) respecting which representations have been made to them for acquisition and distribution and what action has been taken in their regard.

It would involve considerable time and expense, which I feel would not be justified, to ascertain all the detailed information sought. Perhaps the following particulars will meet the Deputy's requirements: (a) Two estates of 57 and 74 acres, respectively, were allotted last month and arrangements are well advanced for the allotment of three further estates of 27 acres, 66 acres and 229 acres; (b) the Land Commission have on hands almost 3,000 acres on over 50 estates. Much of this area comprises the remnants of estates partly allotted. The lands are let in conacre, grazing or turbary, according to the nature of the lands and their suitability for local requirements; (c) proceedings are in progress for the acquisition or resumption of 1,660 acres on 25 estates or holdings, while over 10,000 acres on some 100 estates are the subject of inquiry.

asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission is now in a position to indicate their decision as to the propriety of acquiring for division amongst landless men and uneconomic holders the Studdert farm at Cragmoher, Corofin, County Clare; and, if so, the nature of the decision.

Proceedings have been instituted for the acquisition of this estate and are well advanced.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will indicate the three farms in the Carron district in North Clare which, according to a reply to a question on 28th February, 1951, the Land Commission have decided not to acquire and also the approximate area of each farm.

The lands are, the Bruton holding, comprising 400 acres; the Frost holding, comprising 150 acres, and the Neylon holding, comprising 254 acres.

Can the Minister say how much land one of the persons named in that list holds in County Meath?

I cannot say.