MR. FIELDI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant or Ireland whether the Government intend to establish a Board of Agriculture for Ireland on the lines suggested by the Irish Cattle Traders' and Stock Owners' Association, as resolutions in favour have been passed by the Dublin and other Corporations, the Royal Dublin Society, by many Town Commissioners and Poor Law Boards, and by Grand Juries all over the country?
*MR. J. MORLEYAs regards this question, I have to observe that there is the Agricultural Department in connection with the Irish Land Commission, which undoubtedly collects a large amount of valuable information. Another part of the ground is covered by the Congested Districts Board, and there is, of course, the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council. After a good deal of consideration, I cannot feel satisfied with this distribution of agricultural affairs; and I have very little doubt that the formation of a Board of Agriculture would be expedient in a country like Ireland, whose largest interest is agriculture.
MR. FIELDIs it the Government's intention to propose a Board of Agriculture for Ireland similar to the one that now exists in England?