HC Deb 18 June 1917 vol 94 cc1439-40W
Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Irish Depart- ment of Agriculture have consulted the Estates Commissioners with reference to the acquisition of the most suitable for sugar-beet culture of the numerous estates in the bands of the latter for sale under the Land Purchase Acts; what estates have been deemed most suitable for this purpose; whether proceedings are in progress for the acquisition of them; and what financial assistance will be obtained from the Treasury for the founding of sugar factories in Ireland, corresponding to the £125,000 given towards the purchase of an estate for the beet-sugar industry in England?

Mr. DUKE

The answer to the first question is in the negative; questions 2 and 3, therefore, do not arise. As to the fourth inquiry, I can add nothing to the answer I gave the hon. Member on the 17th April.