§ Mr. FIELDasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that complaints are being made respecting the neglect of land occupiers to comply with the provisions of the Weeds Act in certain districts; and whether, he will make inquiry and use the influence at his disposal to induce the local authorities to have the Act complied with within their area of jurisdiction?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELLThe hon. Member appears to be under some misapprehension as to the position occupied by local authorities in regard to the administration of this Act. The sanction of the county council must be obtained before the Act is put into operation in any particular area. When such sanction is obtained the enforcement of the law rests with the Department. Owing to a shortage in funds and consequent reduction in staff the Act has not been very stringently administered during the past two years. I hope, however, it will be possible to work the Act more vigorously in the future.