§ 6 Mr. O'DONNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the yield per acre of flax grown in Ireland in 1915 was for Munster 35.2 stones and for Ulster 29.9 stones; in 1916 Munster 29.2 stones and Ulster 25.2 stones; whether, as the only obstacle to the full development of the industry in the South is the want of factories for retting and scutching, he will say what steps he proposes to take to get assistance for the South of Ireland to delevop this industry; (2) whether a Grant of £1,280,000 has been made to the English Board of Agriculture to encourage the growth of flax in England and a guarantee of £600,000 to flax-spinners in Belfast to help flax production in the North; will he take steps to secure for the South of Ireland, which is now growing flax in considerable quantities, factories for deseeding, retting, and scutching; (3) whether he is aware that the Fibre Corporation has at present in 1582 the South of Ireland over 4,000 tons of flax that they are anxious to work and finish it in the South; that, owing to having no factories, they must send it all to Belfast, the carriage alone costing £12,000; and will he take steps to secure from the Treasury assistance to establish in the South factories in which this work may be done?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Samuels)The figures as to flax yield in Munster and Ulster, respectively, are correct. The area under flax in the South of Ireland has increased considerably in the last three years, but the lack of proper local facilities for deseeding, retting, and scutching are a serious handicap. The Fibre Corporation have done and are doing good work both in the North and South of Ireland. I understand they have 4,000 tons of flax straw in the South of Ireland, and if they are obliged to send it to Belfast the cost will probably be the sum mentioned in the question.
The Department of Agriculture have no detailed information as to the financial assistance to flax growing in Great Britain, but understand that a guarantee of the amount mentioned has been given in connection with the flax spinning industry in the North of Ireland. The question of providing proper facilities for dealing locally with flax straw has been engaging the Department of Agriculture's careful attention for some time, and representations have been made to the authorities concerned.
§ Mr. LINDSAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in 1916 the acreage of flax grown in Munster was 773 and in Ulster over 89,000, and was the Government guarantee of £600,000 only given after the linen trade had guaranteed £200,000?
§ Mr. SAMUELSMy hon. Friend has given me these figures. I have no information on the matter, and if he wishes inquiries made I must ask him to put down a question.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government Department encouraged farmers in the South of Ireland to grow flax, and owing to the burden of carriage it is impossible to grow this flax unless there are some local factories for the purpose of saving it?
§ Mr. SAMUELSThe answer intimates that these matters are all under consideration.
§ Mr. FLAVINWe have heard that about a hundred times, and we are waiting for the Government to do something practical.