HC Deb 19 December 1916 vol 88 c1296
110. Mr. LUNDON

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will take steps to see that any assistance in the way of providing seeds, manures, and machinery which may be given to the farmers of Great Britain with a view to the production of food will also be given to the Irish farmers; and will he instruct the Irish Department of Agriculture to take immediate steps to ascertain what are the intentions of the English Board of Agriculture with regard to these matters and have the interests of the Irish farmers properly safeguarded?

Mr. DUKE

As regards the first part of the question, inquiries shall be made; and as to the second, I am informed that the Department have been in communication with the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, London, and other authorities, and have taken all the steps open to them to ensure that supplies of seeds, manures, and machinery shall be available by purchase through the ordinary channels to meet the probable requirements of the Irish farmers in the coming season.