§ Mr. P. WHITEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether any such steps as those contemplated by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries in England to augment the food supply by the cultivation of commons and unused land near towns will be taken by his Department; and, if not, whether he will state what steps, if any, he intends taking to increase the supply of food for the working population?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department have at present no powers to compel the cultivation of commons and unused lands near towns in Ireland. The powers of the Department to influence the production of a larger food supply are entirely non-compulsory in character, and are confined mainly to the forms of education, encouragement, and persuasion. These powers are being vigorously used this year, as they have been since the outbreak of War. The question of taking further powers is being dealt with in consultation with the Board of Trade.