§ 67. Mr. FITZPATRICKasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the Department of Agriculture have notified the Abbeyleix District Council that they would be unable to supply seed potatoes of any variety other than "Up-to-Date" to applicants requiring seed under the Government food production scheme; and, as practical agriculturists from the Queen's County consider the "Champion" and other varieties of potatoes more productive, of better quality, and more suitable to the soil, and as such seed can be purchased in sufficient quantities and at a lower price in the county, will he ask the Department to reconsider the matter with a view to purchasing the required supplies in the county?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)I am informed that the Department of Agriculture have notified the Abbeyleix District Council as stated. If sufficient seed can be secured in the Abbeyleix district at reasonable prices, there seems no necessity for putting the loan scheme into operation.