§ Sir J. LONSDALEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what steps have been taken by the Department to ensure a sufficient supply of flax seed to meet the requirements of Irish flax growers; and if he can state the quantities of Russian, Dutch, and Canadian or other seed, respectively, which will be available for the sowing season, and when such supplies may be expected to arrive?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELLSince the beginning of October last the Department have been constantly in communication with Irish importers and the Foreign Office in regard to obtaining flax seed from Holland and Russia, the two chief sources of supply. The Dutch authorities have issued permits for the exportation of over 35,000 bags to the United Kingdom. Of this quantity about 25,000 bags have already 1069W been received in Ireland, and further consignments are expected shortly. Arrangements have been completed for the immediate shipment from Christiania direct to Belfast of 3,800 bags of Russian seed, and it appears that the Swedish authorities have permitted the transit through Sweden of further considerable quantities which are being forwarded. The amount of flax seed imported this season from Canada and other minor sources of supply is about 6,500 bags. The supplies assured at present, including home-saved seed and Russian and other seed remaining from last season, is considered sufficient for sowing over 80,000 acres, or 27,000 acres in excess of last year's sowing.