HC Deb 12 February 1891 vol 350 cc469-70
MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the demand for instruction in dairy work in Munster; and whether he will advise the appointment of a Government instructor in dairy work in the Province?

MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

I beg also to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received any communications from the Irish Industrial League, on the subject of instruction in dairy work by competent Government instructors, and whether, as Ireland labours under great disadvantage in competing with such rivals as Denmark and Sweden, where efficient teaching in all agricultural matters is supplied by the State, he will favourably consider, and recommend to the Government, the appointment of suitable dairy instructors in Ireland?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)

In answer to this question, and to that of my hon. Friend which stands next, I would say that I am far from doubting that a knowledge of the most improved methods of dairying is of great importance in Munster. I must remind them that in addition to such facilities as are given to the localities to provide instruction under the Technical Instruction Act of 1889, the Government have aided in supplying, through the Munster Model Farm and through the National Board, a competent knowledge of the subject to many hundreds of persons.