HC Deb 27 March 1912 vol 36 cc431-2
Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has yet received any reply from the Development Commissioners with regard to the application of the Department of Agriculture for a Grant in aid of the organisation of agricultural co-operation in Ireland; and, if so, what is the nature of such reply?

Sir J. LONSDALE

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he will state what decision has been arrived at by the Development Commissioners upon his application for a Grant to the Department of Agriculture for the organisation of agricultural co-operation in Ireland?

The VICE-PRESIDENT of the DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE (Ireland, Mr. T. W. Russell)

The Department have received a letter from the Development Commissioners stating that whilst they do not doubt that the existing work of the Department in some or all of the six directions mentioned in the proposed scheme might usefully be extended, they are unable to regard the scheme as one for the organisation of co-operation in the sense which the Development Commissioners feel bound to attach to these words. When I gave evidence before the Commissioners the chairman asked me whether, if the question of co-operation was eliminated altogether, I would be prepared to again bring forward one or all of the items dealt with in the scheme, as it was possible the funds of the Commissioners-might be utilised for some of these purposes. Having now received the decision of the Commissioners on the question of co-operation, the Department has resolved to apply, as suggested, for funds for the promotion of the objects embraced in the scheme on their merits and without reference to co-operation.

Sir J. LONSDALE

What ground had the right hon. Gentleman for the assurance that the money would be given to his Department?

Mr. RUSSELL

I made no such promise. What I said was that the Development Commissioners had invited the co-operation of the Department in devising a scheme, and that I thought I could submit such a scheme as would meet with their approbation.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Did not the right hon. Gentleman give a positive assurance?

Mr. RUSSELL

No.

Sir J. LONSDALE

Will the correspondence that has taken place between the right hon. Gentleman and the Development Commissioners be laid on the Table?

Mr. RUSSELL

I have not the slightest objection to the whole correspondence being laid.