HC Deb 21 July 1913 vol 55 cc1685-6
14. Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he can now state the new arrangements made for the cultivation of tobacco in Ireland and the regulations made for this purpose by his Department; and if he will state the financial support to be given to the industry through the Development Commission.?

15. Mr. FFRENCH

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he will state what arrangements, if any, have been made for the development of the growth of tobacco in Ireland under the new scheme; whether the Barony Forth growers will be under the direct control of the Department; and if they will be allotted the 25 acres promised to them?

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

The Treasury have approved of advances not exceeding £35,000 in all being made from the Development Fund for the purpose of experiments in tobacco production in Ireland, covering a period of ten years. These experiments are to begin in 1914, but the conditions under which the advances will be made have not yet been finally settled. It is proposed to allocate an area not exceeding twenty-five acres for a special scheme in cultivation and rehandling, to be carried out by the Wexford Tobacco Growers' Society, directly under the supervision of the Department. The details of this scheme are at present under consideration. An application has been submitted by the Department for a Grant of a second sum of £35,000 for a scheme on the same lines as Sir Nugent Everard's, to be carried out by Lord Dunraven. If this is approved, it is proposed to take the £6,250 required for the Wexford scheme in equal portions from the two £35,000 Grants. This will leave £31,625 each, available for Sir Nugent Everard and Lord Dunraven.

Mr. FFRENCH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware what subsidy per acre the Wexford growers will get under the new scheme?

Mr. RUSSELL

The whole matter is under consideration by the Department at the present time, and I think that a satisfactory conclusion will be arrived at.

Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

In considering this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Wexford growers are themselves practical farmers, and that they were amongst the very first to experiment in this industry

Mr. RUSSELL

It is in view of that fact that we have taken the Wexford farmers under the control of the Department, and not put them under either Lord Dunraven or Sir Nugent Everard.

sir THOMAS ESMONDE

Will the North Wexford tobacco growers get any subsidy under this scheme?

Mr. RUSSELL

No. We have £35,000 to give and we expect another £35,000. That is all the money we have.

sir T. ESMONDE

When the second £35,000 is given, will the North Wexford tobacco growers get anything?

Mr. RUSSELL

No.