asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the danger of a shortage in the supply of oats before this season's crop is available, and whether in the circumstances he is prepared, by Order, to have the percentage of oats used under the admixture scheme considerably reduced and thus have supplies released for consumption by horses.

I have had under consideration the question of reducing the percentage of home grown grain in the maize meal mixture. A definite announcement in the matter will be made at an early date.

You are going to stop it?

I stated that a definite announcement would be made at an early date.

The Minister is aware that there is a very acute shortage of seed oats at present?

I would not say that there is an acute shortage.