asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the shortage of fodder in County Cavan, he will take steps to have the old and uneconomic cows purchased under the Department's scheme at once.

A second collection of cows offered under the elimination scheme by applicants in County Cavan has already commenced in one centre in County Leitrim which is near County Cavan, as this centre is the nearest railway station for a number of applicants. The collection of cows in centres in County Cavan will commence as soon as practicable, probably in a fortnight's time, and will be continued until all the animals offered in the county under the scheme have been collected. Owing to arrangements already made it is not possible to arrange for the collection of cows in centres in County Cavan at an earlier date.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, could he say when the scheme will apply to Tipperary?

I would want notice in regard to that matter.

Surely the Minister can give an approximate idea as to when it is likely to be applied to Tipperary?

In the very near future, I think—I am not sure.

When will that be?

"In the very near future" in my Department always means about a week.

Does the Minister consider 50/- a head for uneconomic cows a fair price?

If they are uneconomic it is not an unfair price.

Could the Minister not stretch his conscience and be a little more generous to the farmers?

The farmers think he has already gone beyond the elastic limit.