§ 42. Mr. DUFFYasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been directed to the fact that a quantity of potatoes are ready for export from Arran 22 Isles at the present moment, but the shipment freight is so high as to prevent the possibility of marketing them in Galway or Liverpool except at ruinous prices; and whether he will communicate with the different shipping companies concerned with a view of striking a rate which will enable those island fishermen to dispose of their surplus stock?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture, Ireland)The Department's attention had not previously been drawn to this matter. Their inspector reports that although the bulk of the potatoes grown in the Arran Islands is employed for home use small quantities may be shipped at this season to the mainland for seed purposes. The consignments, however, are usually so small that it would be difficult to get a special rate for them.
§ Mr. DUFFYWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see if any assistance can be given to these people?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe Arran Isles are under the Congested Districts Board's jurisdiction, and application should be made to that body.
§ Mr. DUFFYBut is not this a matter of sufficient importance to engage the attention of the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. RUSSELLIt is an arrangement made by Parliament that certain parts of Ireland should be transferred to the jurisdiction of the Congested Districts Board, but I shall be very glad to do anything I can.