HC Deb 14 March 1910 vol 15 cc160-1W
Mr. HUGH BARRIE

asked what acreage of land is rented for the purposes of the Clonakilty station and school of the Agricultural Department; and what is the annual rent paid?

Mr. BIRRELL:

Three hundred and forty-seven acres of land are rented for the purposes of the Clonakilty station. The annual rent is £200.

Mr. HUGH BARRIE

asked what acreage of land is rented for the purposes of the Ballyhaise station and school of the Agricultural Department; and what is the proposed purchase price for the same?

Mr. BIRRELL:

Eight hundred and thirty-five acres of land are rented for the purposes of the Ballyhaise station. The proposed purchase price is £19,000.

Mr. HUGH BARRIE

asked what has been the number of apprentices at the Athenry station of the Agricultural Department during the years 1907, 1908, and 1909; whether they are in residence, and, if so, for how many months in each year; and what premium, if any, is paid by them?

Mr. BIRRELL:

The number of farm apprentices at Athenry Agricultural station during each of the years 1906–7, 1907–8, and 1908–9 was ten. This is the largest number that can be accommodated. The apprentices reside at the station, and are allowed twelve months' training. They pay no premium.

Mr. HUGH BARRIE

asked whether the fees paid by the students attending the agricultural schools of the Department at Ballyhaise and Clonakilty include board and residence; and, if so, for how many months in each year?

Mr. BIRRELL:

I understand that the fees paid by the students include board and lodging. They are not, however, sufficient to cover the actual cost of board, lodging, and instruction. At Clonakilty all the students are in residence for about ten and a half months. At Ballyhaise there are three classes of students, namely, apprentices in cheesemaking, who are in residence for about five and a half months; creamery students, who are about four and a half months in residence; and agricultural apprentices, who are in residence for one and sometimes two terms, each of about five and a half months' duration.