§ Mr. O'DOWDasked whether the question of the cultivation of beet in Ireland is engaging the attention of the Department of Agriculture; and, if so, what steps, if any, it is proposed to take in regard to the matter?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe matter of the cultivation of beet in Ireland has frequently engaged the attention of the Department, whose views on the subject have been stated in reply to numerous Parliamentary questions. In the light of new facts which have come to our notice, further inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with the hon. Member on the subject in due course.
§ Mr. O'DOWDIs it not a fact that beet can be successfully and profitably grown in Ireland?
§ Mr. RUSSELLIt can undoubtedly be grown in Ireland, but whether it can be profitably grown is not known.
Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDMight I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he could give us any information as to the experiments that have already been made in this direction in Ireland?
§ Mr. RUSSELLI should be glad of notice of that question, but it would involve some inquiry.
§ Mr. JOHN O'CONNORWill the right hon. Gentleman direct his attention to the experiments recently made in the county of Norfolk in this country and ascertain whether such experiments have been successful or not?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe whole question is being inquired into.
Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to extend his inquiries so as to include an account of the experiments already made in Ireland?
§ Mr. RUSSELLWe are quite familiar with the experiments that have been made. I have said there is no question as to the possibility of beet being grown. The whole question is one whether it can be profitably grown or not.