§ Sir John Newportsaid, he understood by public rumour, stated in some of the newspapers, that in consequence of the deficiency of Flax-seed imported this year into Ireland, owing to the embargo in the American ports, a considerable quantity of the flax-seed remaining in G. Britain, and which was intended to be expressed into oil, had been sent over to Ireland, and allowed to pass. As this was a subject of great importance to the kingdom, masmuch as it involved in it the staple manufacture of Ireland, he wished to know if there was any truth in the rumour.
Mr. Fostersaid, he only knew of this rumour, from what he saw in the newspapers. It was, however, natural to suppose, that persons in Ireland would wish to get 81 seed whenever they could: and that persons in this country, having seed, would dispose of it in the best manner. It was suggested to him by some persons, that seed might be sent over from this country. He indulged the speculation, and sent communications on the subject to the linen board, with directions that orders should be conveyed to the different outports in Ireland not to let any flax-seed be imported which was not good in respect to its quality.