asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that there has been serious land impoverishment in this country for a number of years past due to low agricultural prices and shortage of capital amongst farmers; that such land exhaustion is certain to have serious reactions so far as the country's progress is concerned, and if he will consider the advisability of introducing a "Land Fertility Scheme" similar to that in operation in England and Northern Ireland by making artificial manures available to farmers at reduced prices.

I do not accept the suggestion in the first part of the Deputy's question. While, of course, the yield of crops is to a considerable extent influenced by the seasonal conditions prevailing from year to year, the crop yields returned in the years 1936 and 1937, as compared with those recorded for the year 1931, furnish no evidence of impoverishment of arable lands. Accordingly, I do not propose to adopt the measure suggested by the Deputy in the latter part of his question.

Has the Minister made any inquiries as to the quantities of artificial manures used in the past few years?

Yes.

I think the figures will clearly indicate that the same quantities are not being used.

The very same quantity was imported in 1937 as in 1931, and the figures so far available will show that a greater quantity is being imported now than was imported in 1931.

Of the same quality?

Probably a better quality, because we are more particular now.

Does the Minister not think that money spent as indicated in the question would have very beneficial results in the future?

Yes. There are various ways of spending money.

Does the Minister seriously say that there is as much, or more, artificial manure being spread upon the land of this country at present as there was five or six years ago?

Yes. The imports last year were the same as in 1931.

Does the Minister suggest that as much artificial manure is going on the land now as went on it five or six years ago?

Yes.

The Minister had better inquire again.

I inquire from good farmers; the Deputy does not.

The position in my district is not as the Minister says, and the local railway people and carriers bear me out in that.

The Deputies opposite are not in touch with good farmers.