§ 13. Mr. P. WHITEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Navan Rural District Council applied to the Department of Agriculture for permission to plough part of the Oldtown farm in order to eradicate disease and were refused; whether the council has since applied for a Grant to purchase such manures as were suitable to the condition of the land; if the Grant will be given; and, if not, what steps the Board propose to take to render the land suitable for the purpose for which it was intended?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIn reply to the first part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) on 13th January on this subject. The Navan Rural District Council have applied to the Department for a Grant or loan towards the cost of manuring the plot referred to. This Department have, however, no funds available for the making of such Grants or loans. The decision as to the steps which should be taken to improve the land in question for use as a pasture is a matter for the trustees, but the Department will be glad, if the Rural District Council so desire, to advise as to the best methods of treatment.
§ Mr. BIRRELLThere is some doubt about giving an answer to a question of that sort, because delays in this matter constantly arise, but it is being pressed forward.