§ 107. Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that several large potato exporters from the North of Ireland have been cornering potatoes with a view to exporting them in the near future out of Ireland; is he aware that two or three large shipping men in Dublin are doing likewise; and, in view of the shortage in the crops and the danger that if the cornering of potatoes is allowed to go on unchecked poor people will be faced with famine; will immediate steps be taken to ascertain fully the quantities of potatoes those potato merchants have stored up and, if necessary, have the Defence of the Realm Regulations put in force with a view to prevent such people from exporting at the expense of the poor of Ireland?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture have no information which would show that potato exporters in the North of Ireland or shipping firms in Dublin are acting at stated in the question. The 1295 Department are taking steps through the Royal Irish Constabulary to obtain at the earliest possible date a census of the potato stocks available. The Board of Trade have made two Orders to come into force on the 21st instant, one limiting the export of potatoes from Ireland, and the other regulating the use of seed potatoes in Ireland.
§ Mr. LUNDONWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman make inquiries to ascertain who are the people in the North of Ireland that are cornering potatoes and whether they are doing so with the consent and approval of certain officials of the Irish Department?
§ Mr. P. MEEHANWill the Chief Secretary see that the Department of Agriculture in Ireland punblishes a weekly list of those applying for export licences; also showing what quantity of potatoes they are allowed to export?
§ 108. Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will take steps to provide an adequate supply of seed potatoes for the tenants of labourers' cottages next spring, to be paid for by a loan extended over a period of years; and will he say if he can arrange a convenient date for an interview on the subject with a delegation from the Irish land and labour organisations?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture is occupied with this and other questions of increase of food supply. I will meet a deputation if it is desired, when I am in full possession of the views of the Department.
§ 109. Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has received resolutions from any bodies in Ireland asking that a short Act of Parliament should be passed immediately, compelling the owners of large grazing tracts to let acre allotments to the labourers only in the vicinity of such land for the purpose of agriculture during the period of the War; and, in view of the necessity of keeping up food supplies, will he undertake to introduce such legislation so as to enable the poor to provide potatoes and other necessities of life for their families during the war period?
§ Mr. DUKEResolutions have been received recommending allotments to labourers among other suggestions for utilising grazing lands for the increase of the food supply in Ireland. The question of the best means of increasing the food supply of Ireland is being dealt with in consultation between the Irish Departments and the Food Controller.
§ 116. Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if any steps are being, or will be, taken to supply seed potatoes to the poor for the coming season by way of loan which will extend over a period of years?
§ Mr. DUKEAll necessary steps will be taken. I am in consultation with the Local Government Board and Department of Agriculture on the question of what action is necessary.