§ Mr. SCANLANasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture {Ireland) if he can state the acreage of land in Ireland under wheat during last season, also the estimated additional acreage suitable for wheat-growing; and if he will state whether the Department have entered into negotiations with the Congested Districts Board and the Estates Commissioners with the view of having untenanted lands and grazing ranches brought under cultivation, with the object of increasing food production in Ireland?
§ Mr. DUKEThe number of acres returned as being under wheat in Ireland on 1st June last was 76,438. The Department are not in a position to furnish an estimate as to the additional acreage of land which would be suitable for wheat522W growing. Action such as is suggested in the latter portion of the question is not within the authority of the Department. They are doing all they can within their powers to increase the area under tillage.