§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he will explain why circulars have recently been issued by the Department to Irish farmers asking full particulars as to the acreage of their different crops; and whether, seeing that this information is already collected annually by members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, he will explain the object of the trouble and expense of the double inquiry?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Cherry)Circulars are sent to a limited number of farmers throughout the country in order to confirm without delay the returns as to the area of particular crops. The furnishing of a reply is voluntary. The expense or trouble involved is small, and it is desirable in the interests of agriculture that such inquiry should be made.