§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has received any resolu- 1169W tions from the Irish public boards requesting the Government to compel the owners of disused mills in Ireland to put them in order or, in the event of the owners failing to do so, that the Government take them over for the benefit of the country; and if he will have them taken over and put in working order before the harvest is reaped?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture have received representations from a few local bodies as well as from private individuals on the subject of the necessity for increased milling facilities. It would be impracticable for the Government to take over disused mills with a view to putting them into working order, but the Department have been giving assistance by means of loans and expert advice for the equipment of mills in Ireland, and they are still continuing to do so.