§ MR. FLAVINI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Department of Agriculture in Ireland have taken any steps in connection with the growing of tobacco in Ireland during the coming season; and whether any expert has been employed or appointed with a view of giving practical instructions as to planting, growing, and curing of the plant.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe Department of Agriculture has arranged for the cultivation of tobacco on a commercial scale in the county Meath during the present year. No expert has been employed to advise on the cultivation of the crop, but one will be employed to advise on the treatment of the leaf when grown.
§ MR. FLAVINWhy has the county Meath alone been selected?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI suppose because it was considered the most suitable.