HC Deb 28 March 1917 vol 92 cc435-6W
Sir JOHN AINSWORTH

asked the Secretary for Scotland what additional acreage he expects will be broken up this year in Scotland in comparison with last year; what arrangements he has made to provide additional labour; and what quantity he has been able to secure of manures and fertilisers for use during the present season?

Mr. MUNRO

Up to the 21st of March the additional acreage expected to be broken up this year amounted to 28,403 acres. The provision of additional labour is in the hands of the National Service Department, whose efficient help in this matter I desire to acknowledge. My hon. Friend will find in a statement issued by that Department and published in the Press of Monday last particulars of their work in Scotland. As regards manures and fertilisers, the arrangements made by the Fertilisers' Committee have so far, I understand, been found sufficient. The situation is being carefully watched.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that Miss Wilson, Rathdowney, Queen's County, has let about 40 acres of land for eleven months' grazing quite convenient to that town while eighty-seven labourers and artisans who applied to the Department of Agriculture for allotments under the food production scheme have not so far obtained any land on which to grow vegetables; and what steps the Department intend taking to provide these landless people with allotments?

Mr. DUKE

The Department of Agriculture are arranging to enter on the lands referred to and to offer them for letting in conacre tillage.

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