HC Deb 31 March 1898 vol 55 cc1474-5
MR. J. DALY (Monaghan, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he is aware that recently a representative of the firm of Messrs. Barbour, flax-spinners, Lisburn, held a meeting in Ballybay with the view of improving the growth of flax in that district; that Mr. Barbour stated at the meeting in question that he employed at his own expense an expert from Holland in county Down, and that, under direction of this expert, the growth of flax has been improved in the county Down; and (2) whether he will advise the Government to appoint experts in flax-growing with the view of improving the growth of flax which was of such benefit to farmers in the North of Ireland some years ago?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD W. BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

The statements in the first paragraph are, I understand, correct. I cannot give any undertaking of the nature suggested in the second paragraph of the Question in anticipation of the establishment of a Board of Agriculture for Ireland.

MR. DALY

Will the right hon. Gentleman take no means for improving the growth of flax in that part of Ireland?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I can add nothing to my answer.