§ Mr. KILBRIDEasked whether the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society recently applied to the Congested Districts Board for an annual subsidy of £1,000 a year; and what has been the result of the application?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Irish Agricultural Organisation Society suggested that the Congested Districts Board should pay them £1,000 a year to meet the salaries and expenses of two organisers to be employed in organising and superintending co-operative societies. The Board did not make the subsidy.
§ Mr. KILBRIDECan the right hon. Gentleman state the present occupations of the two suggested organisers—whether they have anything at all to do with the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo; I cannot tell you.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEasked the amount paid by way of subsidy by the Department of Agriculture to the Irish Agriculture Organisation Society; and when the subsidy was withdrawn, and the reason for its withdrawal?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe total amount paid by the Department to the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society was £29,316. The subsidies ceased on 31st December, 1908. The reasons for their discontinuance are set out in a Minute of the Agricultural Board, dated 28th January, 1908, which was published in the newspapers at the time. It is too long to quote, but I shall be happy to send a copy to the hon. Member.