§ Mr. FIELDasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, in view of the shortage of the flax supply, any steps are being taken to encourage increased production, particularly in districts reported to be specially suitable in various parts of Ireland?
§ Mr. RUSSELLIt is anticipated that there will be a considerable increase in the area under flax in Ireland in the coming season in districts in which it is a staple crop provided that sufficient seed be available at reasonable prices. Owing to the high prices at present ruling for flax seed and to the expenditure which would be necessary for the provision of retting ponds and scutch mills in districts where flax growing is not already established farmers who have no experience of the crop or facilities for dealing with it would not be well advised to undertake its cultivation at present.