§ 7. Mr. HORNERasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, having regard to the desirability of increasing the agricultural output of Ireland, especially during the War, advances by the Department of Agriculture in Ireland to farmers for the purchase of fanning implements can be continued as formerly or made under some other regulations?
§ Mr. BIRRELLOwing, among other causes, to the effect of the War on the Department's finances, they have been obliged temporarily to suspend their scheme of loans for the purchase of agricultural implements. So far, however, as the funds at their disposal permit the Department continue to make advances to small holders in the poorer districts of the country who would otherwise be unable to procure implements necessary for the cultivation of their holdings. Unless additional funds are provided specially for the purpose, the Department regret that it will not be possible to extend their present operations.
§ Mr. HORNEROut of what fund did the Agricultural Department formerly meet these grants to farmers, and is it out of that fund that the limited grants will be made?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture, Ireland)We set aside £80,000, as an endowment fund, for the Department.