Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDasked whether any representation has been made by the department to the Development Commission in regard to the cultivation of tobacco in Ireland; and whether he is able to state what action the Commission is going to take in the matter?
§ The VICE-PRESIDENT of the DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Russell)On the 18th July the Treasury forwarded to the Development Commissioners the Department's application for an advance by way of grant of £7,500, to be continued for ten years, for the purpose of further experiments regarding the production of tobacco in Ireland. A second application for £1,000 for five years for subsidiary investigations and research was made at the same time. The Development Commissioners inform me this morning that they will hear witnesses from the Department and from the Tobacco Growers' Association on Tuesday, 14th November.
§ Mr. WATTWill the right hon. Gentleman bring his influence to bear upon the Scottish Office to get a small grant for tobacco growing in Scotland?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe Irish Department has quite enough to do for itself.