HC Deb 11 June 1912 vol 39 cc697-8
78. Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether arrangements have yet been made with the Development Commissioners for the encouragement of tobacco cultivation in Ireland?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture,) Ireland

A scheme of experiments in the rehandling and manufacturing of tobacco to be grown in Ireland has been agreed on by the Development Commissioners and the Department. On the 4th instant the Department were informed by the Commissioners that the Commissioners would forthwith report to the Treasury recommending an advance to the Department in aid of the experiments upon the terms proposed by the Department as amended by the Commissioners. The Department have not yet been apprised of the decision of the Treasury on the Commissioners' recommendation.

Mr. W. REDMOND

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the amount of the Grant is?

Mr. RUSSELL

It is£35,000.

Mr. W. REDMOND

Is that the amount applied for by the Department or is it only half the amount?

Mr. RUSSELL

It is not the amount applied for by the Department. But the sum is as much as the Department can profitably employ at the present time, and I have reason for believing that a second Grant will be made when the Department is ready.