HC Deb 13 January 1916 vol 77 cc1776-7
19. Mr. GINNELL

asked, seeing that the Department of Agriculture is not heeding the overflow of Irish rivers and lakes this season, whether any Irish Department is recording the area of arable land submerged and the amount of the loss or any species of loss sustained thereby?

Mr. BIRRELL

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. GINNELL

Is this big matter of the submerging of arable land matter of such indifference to the Chief Secretary that he will not inquire about it?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, I do not say that for a moment. We have kept very careful records of the rise and fall of the waters in the Shannon and other parts of Ireland.

Mr. GINNELL

Why not do it now?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am doing it.