HC Deb 03 March 1909 vol 1 cc1556-7W
Mr. SLOAN

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, in view of the fact that upwards of £3,000 of public money is available for the flax improvement scheme in Ireland and the fact that all efforts put forth seem to have failed to improve either the yield or quality of the flax crop, he will consider the advisability of having the matter thoroughly investigated by a representative commission, or arrange, as soon as possible, a joint meeting in Belfast of the members of the County Flax Sub-Committees to confer with them as to the necessity of such a commission?

Mr. BIRRELL

The position of the flax crop in Ireland has been engaging the attention of the Department for some time, and the question of further action in the matter, whether by means of a committee of inquiry or otherwise, is under consideration.