asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of acquiring portion of the estate of Mr. Henry St. George Burke, lands of Ballyduggan, near Loughrea, County Galway, for the relief of local congestion, and, if so, with what result.

The Land Commission instituted proceedings for the acquisition of this estate more than a dozen years ago but an objection lodged by the owner was allowed thereby terminating the proceedings. However, I have asked that further inquiries be now made.

Is the Minister aware that, on the 23rd February, 1955, as reported in Volume 148 of the Official Report, in reply to a question of mine regarding two estates one and a half miles distant from the one now under discussion, in the latter part of his reply he stated:—

"The two estates comprise nearly 800 acres and their allotment may represent a last chance of meeting the just claims of many smallholders in the area; it is therefore essential that the scheme should be prepared with the utmost care."

Quotations are not allowed at Question Time.

The Minister stated at that time that it was essential to be careful in preparing the scheme. In order to give land to the many smallholders who need it, I hope he will impress on the Land Commission the necessity for acquiring also portion of the Burke estate which comprises 1,100 acres.

I will convey the Deputy's anxiety at this hour to the Land Commission.