§ Mr. T. M. HEALYasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether permits for the export of potatoes were issued on. 6th June by the Department of Agriculture to Cullen and Allen to export 1,000 tons, to the North of Ireland Produce Company 200 tons, to Warden and Stewart 1,000 tons, and to Messrs. Hugh T. Barrie and Company for a large consignment; whether at the same time permits were refused to Ulster Catholic merchants; and, if so, will he say on what grounds?
§ Mr. DUKEOn the 4th, 5th, and 6th June licences were issued to Army contractors, including the firms mentioned in the question, for the export of 1,525 tons of potatoes, which had been secured but were not immediately required by the military authorities. Licences are granted only in the case of potatoes actually secured for the military, and there is no ground for the suggestion in the concluding portion of the question.