HC Deb 14 December 1916 vol 88 cc872-3W
Mr. KENNEDY

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what quantities of potatoes were exported from Ireland in the months of September, October, and November, 1916; what was the grade of these potatoes; what was their destination; and will he say if he has complete cognisance of all potatoes exported from Ireland?

Mr. RUSSELL

The quantities of potatoes exported from Ireland during the months September, October and November in the years 1914, 1915 and 1916 are as follows:—

Sept. Oct. Nov. Total, for three months.
Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons.
1914 2,177 8,120 20,243 30,540
1915 2,076 12,378 20,439 34,893
1916 722 7,431 22,377 30,530

The Department have no information showing the grades of potatoes exported. As far as the Department are aware, the exported potatoes are sent to ports in Great Britain. The Department have no statutory powers, but they are satisfied that in the case of potatoes exported from Ireland the Returns received cover at least 95 per cent. of the export.