asked the Minister for Lands whether the purchase of freehold land has to be sanctioned by the Land Commission; and, if so, what conditions apply where the purchaser is a non-national.

The sanction of the Land Commission to the purchase of freehold land is required if (a) subdivision within the meaning of section 12 of the Land Act, 1965, is involved; (b) any conditions as to consolidation are being infringed; (c) acquisition proceedings are in progress or the Land Commission have served notice of intention to inspect the lands or (d) the holding, being non-urban land, is being sold to a person who is not a qualified person within the meaning of section 45 of the Land Act, 1965.

In the case of non-urban land, a non-qualified person must obtain a consent or a certificate, as appropriate, under section 45 of the Land Act, 1965.