§ 7. Mr. BYRNEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps he proposes to take to prevent a repetition of the famine years of 1846–8; if during that time over 1,000,000 persons died of starvation in Ireland, whilst all the time plenteous crops of grain and herds of cattle were being exported to Great Britain; and if he will see that those with the most money will not be allowed to purchase the food supply of the Irish people?
§ Mr. DUKEThe information which reaches me does not suggest that there is any reason to anticipate a general shortage of food in Ireland. The Food Control Committee are in communication with the Department of Agriculture and other Irish Departments as regards food supplies, and are taking steps to secure equitable distribution. Any prospect of shortage in a particular district will be dealt with when it arises.