§ Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can ascertain what financial provision has been made by the Government for further cultivation of flax in England and Scotland; and whether similar provision will be made for the South and North of Ireland?
§ Mr. SHORTTI understand that the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, in consultation with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, have made arrangements for the cultivation of some 12,500 acres of flax in Great Britain during the coming year and for dealing with the resultant crop. The expenditure required for the cultivation and treatment of this year's crop is estimated at £1,280,000, including capital expenditure on factories and plant which will, of course, not recur in future years. The Department of Agriculture in Ireland have not been provided with any additional special funds for flax growing, beyond what they received from the Ministry of Munitions in connection with seed-sowing operations of last year. The expenses of the seed-sowing work this year are also to be provided from Ministry of Munitions funds. This estimate amounts to £7,500.
1369W
§ Mr. MacVEAGHasked the President of the Board of Education whether the National Research Department is spending in flax research in Ireland any of the money placed at its disposal; and, if so, in what districts and under what conditions the research work in Ireland will be conducted?
§ Mr. HERBERT FISHERThe Department of Scientific and Industrial Research are negotiating with the Irish linen manufacturers for the establishment of a Research Association, which, when established, would be eligible to receive Grants from the Department. A local committee of manufacturers has been formed to draft the requisite memorandum and articles, and to obtain the support of the industry. The association will, it is hoped, include all districts.