§ 20. Sir J. LONSDALEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what steps are being taken by his Department to ensure an adequate supply of flax seed to meet the requirements of Irish flax growers for next season's sowing; and if he proposes to send a representative to Russia to buy seed and arrange for its speedy transport to Ireland?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Department have been in consultation with their Advisory Committee on flax and with representatives of the principal firms and importers of flax seed to Ireland as to the quantity of seed required to be imported to supplement available stocks. The Department are now in communication with the Foreign Office with the view to securing facilities for the importation of the necessary supplies of seed. They do not contemplate sending a representative to Russia in connection with the importation of seed from that country.
§ Mr. HORNERDid the Department take any steps whatever either to induce or to compel farmers to save their seed this year?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will make inquiries.