HC Deb 28 February 1895 vol 31 cc30-1
MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that no notice has been sent to the Derry Union with reference to a loan for seed potatoes; could he explain what is the reason for this omission; and whether he will direct the issue of such notice?

MR. J. MORLEY

The circular relating to the seed potato supply was only forwarded this year to Boards of Guardians of Unions in which there was any reason to believe that a supply of seed would be required owing to the failure of last year's crop. Londonderry was not one of these unions. From parts of this county strong remonstrances were raised against the prohibition of potatoes exported to Malta, and it was represented that the crop was generally a good one. I may also mention that this union did not apply for a loan under the Seed Act of 1890. In accordance, however, with the request of the Guardians, copies of the circular and rules have now been sent to them.