asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the position regarding the lands near Glencastle, Belmullet, on the Atkinson estate, and whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of acquiring them for afforestation purposes.

Five offers totalling nearly 1,300 acres have been received from this district, but on inspection of the lands by the forestry division it was found that the owners are not willing to sell for cash. I will be only too pleased to reopen negotiations if the owners change their minds.

asked the Minister for Lands if he has satisfied himself that under the present method for acquiring land for forestry purposes there will be sufficient acreage available for the planting of a minimum of 25,000 acres per year from 1952 onwards; and, if not, whether he will adopt other means in order to have this land available.

I am satisfied that, so far as can be foreseen, the present method of acquiring land for forestry purposes by voluntary sale from the owners will produce sufficient acreage for the Government programme. If and when there are indications to the contrary I will consider other methods.