§ 34. Mr. GINNELLasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what increased acreage of tillage the Department calculated to result from the Order to cultivate 10 per cent. of the land not tilled last year; what is the estimated total acreage by which the actual result falls short of their estimate; whether the duty of tilling has been shirked chiefly on the large grass farms; and, seeing that the season for breaking this land is passing away, what steps are being taken to have it done forthwith in order that the country may not suffer from shortage of the food deemed necessary?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture are not yet in a position to estimate 699 the total increased acreage of tillage likely to result from the Tillage Order. Ploughing operations are still in progress all over the country and will be for some weeks to come. Where necessary, the Department will exercise the powers conferred on them by the Defence of the Realm Regulations, to ensure compliance with the Regulations as to compulsory tillage.
§ Mr. BYRNEHave any arrangements been provided to cultivate Phoenix Park or will the Lord Lieutenant be allowed to keep his public promise?
§ Mr. FARRELLAt what time will the right hon. Gentleman's Department decide that landlords or owners of large tracts of land not having complied will be penalised?