§ 66. Captain SHEEHANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any advances were made during the past year by the Board of Works for agricultural improvements in Ireland; and whether it is the present policy of the Irish Government to assist small farmers, particularly in the matter of increasing the national value of their holdings?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)No new loans for agricultural improvements have been made by the Commissioners of Public Works since June, 1915, in view of the decision that in present financial circumstances such issues should be suspended during the continuance of the War and until further directions. A sum of £155 was issued in the current financial year in respect of loans sanctioned prior to such suspension. The special measures for securing an increase of food production in Ireland which are being taken by the Department of Agriculture include assistance to small farmers and allotment holders.