HC Deb 06 February 1918 vol 101 c2234
20. Major NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is satisfied that the Board of Agriculture is exercising the powers conferred on it under the Defence of the Realm Act; and, if so, will measures be taken, if at all possible, to prevent mob rule the ploughing up and spoiling of grazing land and the driving and ill-treatment of cattle, in view of the shortage of meat that exists outside Ireland?

Mr. DUKE

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. During the operations under the Compulsory Tillage Scheme of 1917 local trouble occurred in only a few isolated cases. I have no reason to anticipate that the experience in connection with the scheme for this year will be less satisfactory.

Major NEWMAN

Could I have an answer to the last part of the question?

Mr. DUKE

I do not know to what the last part of the question refers.