§ 104. Mr. BOLANDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether steps will be taken immediately to secure for next season an adequate supply of potato-spraying mixture; and whether, with a view to an increase of production of potatoes in Ireland, an adequate supply of spraying mixture will be reserved for Ireland and guarantees given to that effect?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe Board hope to be able to arrange for an adequate supply of copper sulphate for the spraying of next year's potato crop in Ireland as well as in Great Britain, and they are now in communication with the other Departments which can help them to secure this object. When they know definitely what the position with regard to supply will be, they will consider what steps they need take to ensure that that supply will be used to the best advantage. It is estimated that the amount required to spray the entire potato crop of the United Kingdom twice is roughly 13,000 tons. When the position is more definitely ascertained, further information will be supplied to the hon. Member.