asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state how many persons have received Government loans for the purchase of heifers under the Heifer Purchasing Scheme; how many animals have been purchased in each county with the aid of such loans; what is the total amount so far advanced, and what has been the cost to date of administering this scheme including the inspectors' travelling expenses and allowances.

The following are the particulars asked for:—

1,249 persons, have received loans under the scheme in question.

The number of animals purchased under the scheme in each county are as follows:—

That is a total of 2,426.

The total amount advanced was £24,920 11s. 8d. The approximate cost of administering the scheme was £2,400.