asked the Minister for Finance whether in view of the need for increasing the production of turf he will consider if provision can be made for the making of advances to owners of turf banks willing to employ labour for turf production to enable them to pay wages, etc., on condition that the sums advanced will be repaid out of the proceeds of the sale of turf in the autumn; and, if so, whether he will state what proposals are in contemplation for giving effect to this intention.

I have no evidence of the need for a scheme of advances of the kind suggested by the Deputy, nor is there reason to believe that the volume of production is hampered by the lack of financial measures of the kind suggested.