asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of acres of land the Land Commission now have in their possession; the amount of this land that is rented; how and when it is proposed to distribute such land to smallholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Land Commission have at present about 13,000 hectares. About 5,000 hectares are in the course of allotment in the normal way. The balance is let and arrangements are being made to have it, too, disposed of at the earliest possible date.

What does the Minister mean by the earliest possible date? May I have a more definite date?

As I indicated a few minutes ago, it depends on when the Bill to abolish the Land Commission is introduced in the House. I cannot prejudge what will happen. Quite an amount of land is being allocated at the moment.

If there is a delay in introducing the legislation could some of this land be leased? The Minister said last year that the Land Commission would have a major role in the development of land leasing. Who will take on that role in the future?

It will always be part of the function of the Department of Agriculture to promote land leasing. It is my intention that that will continue.

17.