§ Mr. ROSBOTHAMasked the Minister of Agriculture what progress is being made with respect to the experiments being carried on in connection with the flax-growing industry?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe Flax Industry Development Society, which acts as the agent of the Ministry and the Government of Northern Ireland for the development of flax-growing and fibre production in England, made contracts for the past season amounting to 1,200 acres, as compared with 600 acres in 1929 and 300 acres in 1928. Notable progress has been made in the quality of flax produced, and there will be further improvement as increased quantities of the most suitable seed become available, and as the growers gain experience in handling flax. The two factories at Bunford and Lopen, in Somerset, have recently been enlarged and improved and the most modern machinery installed. It is hoped that the industry can be placed upon a permanent footing in this country, and these experiments are being conducted with that end in view.