HC Deb 19 February 1847 vol 90 cc247-8
MR. FORSTER

said, that much excitement prevailed amongst individuals engaged in the flaxseed trade, in consequence of a current report, that Her Majesty's Government were making purchases of flaxseed for the purpose of importing it into Ireland. He wished to know if that report was well founded, and if so, what were the intentions of Government with reference to the subject? It must be obvious, that if the Government entered the market as a dealer, it would materially affect private enterprise. In proof of this, he would read an extract from a letter which he had received from Limerick:— We should feel extremely obliged if you would ascertain for us, distinctly, the intention of Government with respect to the article of flaxseed this season, in the Limerick market. We have information that flaxseed has already arrived here for Government account; and we have reason to believe that the regular importers of this article (our firm being among the number) will suspend all operations until the Government measures be made known. The writers withdrew their flaxseed order from their seed broker when they heard of the arrivals to Government in Limerick, as it was scarcely to be expected that merchants would expose themselves to competition with Government.

MR. LABOUCHERE

requested permission to state the grounds on which the Government thought they were justified in introducing, to a limited extent, flaxseed into Ireland. Representations were made to the Government, that though the soil and climate of the southern part of Ireland were peculiarly favourable to the cultivation of flax, hardly an attempt had been made to cultivate it there. It was thought desirable that in the present circumstances of the country, a well-conducted attempt should be made to introduce the culture of flax into that part of the island; but it was represented that none but American flaxseed of an inferior description could be obtained, and the aid of Government was solicited to procure seed of a better kind. Under these circumstances, the Government undertook to import some flaxseed of the best description into the south of Ireland. The quantity was small, namely, 600 bushels; and it was not intended to import any more. As a general rule, it must be admitted that such proceedings on the part of Government could only disturb private enterprise. Still, under the peculiar circumstances of the time, the Government thought they were justified in making this exception, with a view to encourage the cultivation of flax in the south of Ireland.