HC Deb 19 April 1917 vol 92 cc1814-5
39. Mr. KELLY

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he is aware that there is a fodder famine in many of the more mountainous districts of county Donegal, that several horses and cattle have perished through hunger, and that the growth in these districts will be at least a fortnight behind that of the low-lying lands; and if he will approach the military authorities with a view to inducing them to release a portion of the fodder which they have stored with the larger farmers in the county so as to enable the smaller farmers-to feed their horses and cattle for the next six weeks?

Mr. DUKE

Steps have been taken by the Department of Agriculture, with the co-operation of the military authorities, to deal with a shortage of cattle fodder in Donegal which has arisen from, among other causes, the severity of the season, and considerable supplies have been made available, and I am assured that the arrangements now made will be sufficient to deal with the emergency.

Mr. KELLY

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate more fully for the benefit of the people concerned to whom they should apply for immediate relief?

Mr. DUKE

The method adopted, to the best of my recollection, is that supplies of fodder have been made available for sale at reasonable prices in the quarters in which fodder is usually sold. If the hon. Member will communicate with me either today or to-morrow, I will give him more particular information.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Is it a fact, as stated in the question, that horses and cattle have actually perished from hunger while there is plenty of fodder stored under contract and sold for military requirements?

Mr. DUKE

I did not need to wait to ascertain whether cattle had died before asking for, action to be taken. As a matter of fact, the matter was reported to me, and I have taken steps to deal with it.

Mr. KELLY

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of prohibiting the export of fodder except for military Requirements from the port of Derry?

Mr. DUKE

Before the hon. Member asks me to do that he had better consult those of his constituents who grind hay and other things for sale as to what their view would be about it.