asked the Minister for Supplies whether, in view of the shortage of artificial fertilisers and the importance of sea sand as a substitute, he will allow extra kerosene supplies to owners of boats for the carriage of the sea sand during this short season.

Allocations of kerosene for the carriage of sea sand are made to owners of boats bona fide engaged in the business who have registered their boats with my Department for this purpose. These allocations are, subject to the supplies of kerosene available, issued on the basis of the individual requirements of each boat owner, having regard to seasonal fluctuations and the extent of his operations.