HC Deb 09 May 1906 vol 156 cc1309-10
MR. DILLON

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state specifically all the purposes for which money has been paid by the Department of Agriculture to the Agricultural Organisation Society; the amount paid for each kind of work; what is the method adopted by the Department to satisfy itself that the money so paid is actually devoted to the purpose for which it was granted; what are the other forms of organisation which it has been decided to provisionally include in this year's Estimate; and how much money it is proposed to grant for each of these farms?

MR. BRYCE

The Department of Agriculture, in the earlier period of its existence, utilized the services of officers of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society for the purpose of giving expert advice and instruction in respect of agriculture, creameries, flax cultivation, egg packing, poultry rearing, fruit growing, and bee keeping; and also in the organisation of agricultural banks. As county schemes developed, and local authorities succeeded in procuring qualified instructors in the subjects mentioned it became unnecessary for the Department to employ the society's officers in this work. In 1905 the society was employed by the Department to organise co-operative credit societies, live stock insurance societies, and home industries associations, the amount paid for this service being £2,000. The total amount paid to the society up to February 28th last was £18,976. The Department exercised supervision over the work done for it by the society, and the claims for remuneration and expenses were duly vouched and certified. The other forms of organisation to be included this year are the organisation of co-operative flax, agricultural and dairy societies, the estimated cost being £3,700. I have received other details which are too long to embody in a reply to a Question, but which I shall be happy to show the hon. Member if he desires.

MR. DILLON

Can the right hon. Gentleman circulate a printed reply with full particulars?

MR. BRYCE

I dare say that can be done.