§ 40. Mr. O'SHEEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what is his estimate of the increase in the area cropped or about to 1806 be cropped for the present season in Ireland for oats, potatoes, wheat, and barley, respectively, as compared with last season?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture are not yet in a position to furnish estimates of the increased crops due to new tillage, but I am able to say that the regulations for compulsory tillage have been cheerfully responded to throughout Ireland, with occasional exceptions which in no way affect the general good result, and that the small percentage of defaulters are being systematically dealt with.
Mr. HAZLETONCan the right hon. Gentleman give any rough estimate of the total increase under tillage in Ireland this year?
Mr. HAZLETONIs it not the fact that the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture said that about 1,000,000 acres would represent the amount?
§ Mr. DUKEI would rather not commit myself to any figure. My own view is that when I am in a position to give it definitely to the House it will be regarded as very satisfactory and creditable.
§ 41. Mr. FITZPATRICKasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) why Mr. H. Thompson, Castlefarm, Borris-in-Ossory, Queen's County, who holds 500 acres of arable land, has been exempted from tilling the 10 per cent. of such land under the increased tillage scheme?