§ Mr. FIELDasked whether the representative for Ireland on the Development Commission was invited to join the Committee; whether he can state the reasons which led to the present appointments; and whether any consultation was held with commercialists or others who represent the great volume of Irish opinion on this subject?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe representatives of the Development Commissioners on the governing body of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society have been nominated on the collective responsibility of the Commissioners, and I am unable to say what circumstances guided their choice. As stated by the Prime Minister in his answer to a question asked by the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh on 1st April last, the present appointments have been made1008W as an interim measure pending the addition to the governing body of the society of eleven persons nominated by the Development Commissioners. Before coming to a decision the Commissioners received a deputation representing the Irish Traders' Association, on which occasion the views of the association were put before them very fully.