asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he will state the number of loans and aggregate amount of money granted under the Scheme of Loans for the purchase of agricultural implements since 1st April, 1927; the number of applications refused because the funds provided for the purpose in this year's Estimates had been fully utilised; the date on which the fund became exhausted; why ample provision was not made in the Estimates to cover this self-supporting scheme; and why, having regard to the importance of the scheme, both to the farming community and the State, a Supplementary Estimate was not introduced.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - GRANTS FOR AGRICULTURAL IMPLIMENTS.
Mr. HOGAN
The number of loans granted by the Department of Agriculture since the 1st April, 1927, under the Scheme of Loans for the purchase of agricultural instruments was 1,057, representing a sum of £15,522. The number of loans refused through lack of funds was 173. During the month of August last it became evident that the provision made for this scheme would shortly become exhausted, and the Department accordingly decided on 1st September that, having regard to the applications then in hands, no further applications could be granted. The provision in the Estimates for this scheme was the same as for the year 1926-7, viz., £15,000, which had been found to be ample for that year.
The question of increasing that amount will be considered in connection with next year's Estimates, which are under consideration.
173 claims were refused because there were no funds. Would the Minister in these circumstances not be warranted in bringing in a Supplementary Estimate? This is a self-supporting fund, and there is no risk to the Government.
In view of the widespread unemployment, would the Minister make a stipulation that only implements of Irish manufacture would be purchased through this fund?
Mr. HOGAN
I could not promise that. With regard to Deputy O'Hanlon's question there is a lot to be said, perhaps even at this stage, for looking for some further funds, but when all is said and done the case will be reasonable met by making additional provision in next year's Estimate.
But what about the lifting of the potatoes this year?
Mr. HOGAN
There has been a good deal of money spent.