§ Mr. W. COOTEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst the farming community in Ireland as to the manner in which flax is graded for purchase in the open markets, and of the demand made by the farmers' unions that, in order to restore confidence in the flax-growing scheme of the Government, equal representation should be given to farmers appointed by the farmers' unions as to those members appointed by the Government on the board of the Flax Supply Committee?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONVarious farming associations and other bodies have protested to the Department of Agriculture against the system of flax-grading which obtained for some weeks at the beginning of this year. The Department communicated on the subject with the Flax Supplies Committee (appointed under the Ministry of Munitions) by whom the work of grading is directed. It is understood that that Committee took steps to obviate further grounds for complaint in the matter. The constitution of the Committee is not primarily a question for the Department, but it is their intention to bring under the consideration of the authorities the demand for additional representation of farmers on the Committee.