§ *MR.O'DOHERTYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what steps, if any, have been taken by the new Department of Agriculture in Ireland to put into operation Section 17, sub-section (a), of the Agricultural and Technical Instruction (Ireland) Act, 1899; has the Department instituted any investigation with a view to have this sub-section duly administered; and has the head of the Department considered the necessity of appointing a permanent official, such as those appointed by the Canadian and other Governments, for the purpose of having this section properly put into force, and thereby protecting the agricultural and other industries in Ireland.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe Department is not yet in a position to take action under the provision referred to. Information on matters coming within the scope of the section is being obtained. The question of the appointment of an official having expert knowledge of the subjects to be dealt with has not escaped the attention of the Department. It has, however, been considered advisable to postpone a decision in the matter until it can be ascertained to what extent technical assistance of the nature required can be afforded by other Departments.
§ *MR.O'DOHERTYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Vice-President of the Department applied for special permission to appoint an expert to carry out this section of the Act, and that the Treasury refused?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!