§ MR. J. P. FARRELL (Longford, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the potato crop this year is a total failure in County Longford; and whether he will direct the Board of Agriculture to prepare a Return at once of the areas most seriously affected, with a 1393 view to providing the same with new seed before, the season for setting comes again.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I have received Reports from both the Local Government Board and the Department of Agriculture to the effect that the potato crop in Longford, though under the average, is not a total failure. The Local Government Board have not, so far, found reason to fear that the partial failure of the crop in Longford will seriously affect the condition of the people. The circumstances of the people will, however, be carefully watched, with the view of considering whether any special measures of relief may be necessary.