HC Deb 17 January 1918 vol 101 cc483-4
34. Mr. COOTE

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if the Government propose to devote a money Grant for the special cultivation of an extra crop of flax in Ireland for this year; and, if so, will he state the amount of the Grant. the areas of distribution, and the principle on which it will be applied?

Mr. DUKE

The Department of Agriculture have no information as to any proposed special Grant for the extension of flax-growing in Ireland.

General M'CALMONT

Does not the Government propose to take any steps to encourage the production of flax, in view of the production of aeroplanes?

Mr. DUKE

As my hon. and gallant Friend knows there has been an enormous extension of the cultivation of flax in Ireland. It has been proved to be one of the most profitable crops which can be grown, and that is an encouragement to the grower to increase his cultivation.

General M'CALMONT

Does the right hon. Gentleman not know that there is a shortage of seed and that they cannot go on growing flax?

Mr. DUKE

There was a shortage of seed, but steps were taken which in the past season fully provided for it. There were Regulations issued requiring flax growers to preserve a certain amount for seed, but in many cases those Regulations were disregarded by flax growers, and there were prosecutions which were not regarded by the magistrates as being of the serious nature with which my hon. Friend regards them, and with which I regard them.