§ 33. Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can see his way to introduce a Bill immediately with a view of compelling holders of large grazing tracts of land throughout Ireland to till a certain amount of it next spring as well as to let by conacre a portion of the same to poor people at a reasonable price for the purpose of sowing potatoes?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)The question of an increase of tillage, both as an emergency food-supply measure and in the general interests of agricultural development in Ireland, has been receiving the attention of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, but I am advised that the adoption of compulsory legislative methods such as are suggested in the question for one class of owners would raise serious difficulties and would not be likely to advance the object the hon. Member has in view.
§ Mr. FIELDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is necessary to have a certain amount of tillage even on grazing farms so that the cattle may be kept during the winter and spring months, and that, therefore, it would be to the advantage of that special section to which he refers that there should be more tillage?
§ Mr. DUKEYes, I am aware of that. I am also aware that not only among owners of land on a large scale, but also among owners of land available for dairy and grazing purposes on a small scale there is a strong disposition to make the largest amount from it by using the land for grazing and dairying.
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYHow long more will the Department be considering this question before taking any action?
§ Mr. DUKEIf the hon. Member will give notice of that question, I will see whether the Department will give an answer.