asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the erection during the spring of poles to carry electricity transmission lines will involve much trespass on and damage to growing crops, and if it is possible to defer the work in question until a later period when crops would be harvested.

Deferment of the erection of the poles is out of the question if the contract prices and time of completion are to be adhered to. The work must now proceed continuously. It is not the fact that much damage will be involved to growing crops; interference will be comparatively slight and will afford little or no obstruction to the usual farming operations.

Is the Minister making any provision to pay compensation to farmers whose crops are injured?

The Shannon Electricity Bill provides that compensation may be payable, but according to the practice in continental countries and, in fact, all countries, the compensation will be merely nominal.