§ MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the powers possessed by the Irish Executive for dealing with gooseberry mildew and other agricultural pests are sufficient; and, if not, whether, in view of the fact that legislation has been promised to confer further powers upon the English Board of Agriculture and local authorities, he will consider the advisability of increasing the powers of the Irish Department of Agriculture.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe Department of Agriculture do not possess any specific powers for dealing with gooseberry mildew and similar diseases. The question of applying to Ireland any legislation which may be introduced in connection with such matters will receive due consideration.