asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state what is the aggregate quantity of salt available for agricultural purposes for the coming season.

I am not yet in a position to say what quantity of salt will be available for agricultural purposes for the coming season. My Department is examining the matter in consultation with the Department of Agriculture.

Can the Minister say when he hopes tó have the information?

It is very hard to say that. Quite clearly the full quantity that the agricultural community would like to get will not be available to them. It is not yet possible to say what quantity will be saved from other users to be made available for agriculturists.

Does the Minister realise that it is necessary for agricultural workers to have the information at the earliest possible moment?

There is a lot of things necessary about which much cannot be said. On the assumption that there will be no serious deterioration in the position as regards salt supplies during the next few months, it should be possible to increase the quantity of salt available for agriculturists over that normally used, but it will only be at the expense of other users of salt. It is difficult to say at the present time to what extent the use of salt by other users will be curtailed in order to make an increased supply available for agriculturists.

Does the Minister not realise that farmers must have some information on this matter soon? The Minister should appreciate that it is in the interests of production at the present time that some indication should be given to the agricultural community as to what quantity of salt will be available. That is the reason I put down the question. Can the Minister say when he hopes to be in a position to give the information?

The Deputy can take it that the quantity of salt available for agricultural purposes will be more than that normally used by them, but probably much less than would be required in present circumstances, in view of the dearth of other commodities.

Can the Minister say if any consultation will be held with other users of salt before present supplies are restricted any more than they are?

Certainly.