HC Deb 26 October 1916 vol 86 c1316
Captain DONELAN

(by Private Notice): Is the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) aware that in many parts of Ireland potatoes, when raised, are already beginning to give way in the pits, and will he take immediate steps with a view to avert the danger of a scarcity of potatoes in Ireland during the coming winter and spring?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture,) Ireland

So far there is no evidence that the pitted potatoes are giving way, but a large area is still to be lifted, and few potatoes have been pitted long enough to say whether they are going to keep or not.

Captain DONELAN

Under existing circumstances, could not a way be found to keep the potatoes grown in Ireland this year in that country for home consumption; an Irish Parliament would very soon find a way?

Mr. RUSSELL

The whole question, including that, is being considered at a conference in Dublin to-morrow.