§ 75. Mr. FFRENCHasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that the American Custom House officers take samples of seeds at the port of arrival, and if it is found that they do not come up to a certain standard of quality the names of the buyer and the seller are published; is he aware that Ireland is a dumping ground for spurious, diseased, and adulterated seeds; and whether he has any means at his disposal to protect farmers in this respect?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The Department are aware of the procedure in the United States. The Department are empowered by the Weeds and Agricultural Seeds (Ireland) Act, 1909, to cause samples of agricultural seeds to be taken and tested for purity and germination and to publish 799 the results if deemed desirable. They are taking active measures to suppress the sale of seeds of the class described by the hon. Member.