asked the Minister for Lands the reason for the delay in dividing the McAndrews, Keavney, Molloy and Sweeney holdings at Rathrooen, Ballina, County Mayo.

(Cavan): Due to the pressure of more urgent cases it has not been possible to dispose of these lands before now. I understand, however, that allotment will take place within the next few weeks.

Can the Minister say whether people who have given up land for industrial purposes in the area will be considered for portion of this land?

(Cavan): The Deputy may rest assured that the Land Commission will give full consideration to all applicants.

Can the Minister reconcile his replies today with the remarks passed by a lay commissioner during the hearing of an acquisition case when he said that in his view people who gave up land for industrial purposes should not be considered?

(Cavan): I do not have to reconcile my statements with statements made by the lay commissioners who are a quasijudicial body, independent of me.

The Minister has written a number of letters to people in that area and the implication is that people who give up land for industrial purposes will be considered for allocations of land. It now appears that the Minister's reply and the view of the lay commissioners are at variance.

(Cavan): This does not arise out of the supplementary, but everybody within policy distance will be considered for the allocation of land.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.