§ 30. Mr. GINNELLasked if he will explain why the Department has so long left Ireland's natural resource of peat unworked and derelict, while certain Continental countries with inferior supplies and less favourable circumstances are enriching themselves with fuel, paper, oil, and other useful products from peat; whether this matter will be put on the agenda for the next meeting of the Council of Agriculture, and provide for the attendance thereat of persons experienced in peat industries and in the working of 2117 technical peat schools and capable of explaining the requirements and probable cost of such institutions in Ireland; and whether in this matter the Vice-President can free himself from the coal interest, which defeated the previous attempt at a peat industry?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe Department do not undertake the working of peat deposits. They confine themselves to assisting private enterprise, in so far as such assistance seems practicable. For instance, in certain districts in Ireland, peat moss-litter is now being manufactured, and the Department have aided by supplying the services of a Dutch instructor to give instruction in the cutting of peat for moss-litter purposes. This assistance has had successful results. I do not think it necessary to adopt the hon. Gentleman's suggestion as to bringing the matter to the notice of the Council of Agriculture, but it is open to any member of the council to do so.