asked the Minister for Supplies whether, prior to the acquisition by the Army authorities of supplies of iron for defence purposes, any decision was made by the Government as to quantities to be released for this purpose or the quantity of scrap iron that should be used, having regard to the necessity of preserving some essential supplies for agricultural purposes.

The acquisition or use of iron or of scrap iron is not subject to official control. No decision, therefore, was necessary as to the quantities to be used for defence as distinct from other purposes.

Is the Minister aware that very considerable quantities of iron were taken by the Army from yards in the city which caused the iron available for agricultural purposes to be very scarce and very dear; that the price of iron jumped immediately after the Army secured what supplies were available, with the result that it is costing 10/- to get a horse shod at present and that, in certain districts, there is no iron available at all?

I am aware that the Army have been purchasing iron. That is the only answer I can give.

Is there no control over the quantity taken by the Army?

There is not.

Will the Minister do something to try to relieve the situation which Deputy Hughes has mentioned? The situation with regard to the shoeing of horses, and iron for farm purposes generally, is getting very acute.

Is the Minister satisfied that excessive quantities of iron have not been taken by the Army?

That is a separate question.

What about all the iron gates which are to be found in every parish? They would shoe all the horses we have in the country.