asked the Minister for Lands if he will re-examine the question of allowing two local farmers (names supplied) to purchase lands in County Mayo formerly owned by a person (name supplied) and now acquired for afforestation.

(Cavan): This case has been reconsidered. The lands were offered for sale voluntarily by the former owner to the Forest and Wildlife Service. Before they were bought they were inspected by a Land Commission inspector who found that they had deteriorated badly through lack of use and were not suitable for the statutory purposes of the Land Commission. I cannot agree that the Forest and Wildlife Service should now resell those lands Which were so recently bought for State afforestation purposes.