§ MR. O'DOWD (Sligo, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that beetroot can be profitably grown in Ireland, even on land of inferior quality, and that on analysis it has been found that Irish-grown beetroot is superior to that grown in Germany; and whether the Department of Agriculture will take any steps to encourage the growth of that crop in Ireland.
MR. BRYCEIn the opinion of the Department of Agriculture, the average analysis of sugar beet grown on small plots in Ireland has shown that beet of good quality can be grown in the country, but there is no evidence to indicate that this crop, if grown widely, would yield a profitable return, when the comparatively high cost of cultivation and of the necessary plant is taken into consideration. The Department do not feel that they would at present be justified in recommending the growing of beet as a general crop.