asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will fix a minimum rate per hour, according to the size of the mill, to cover hireage charges for threshing mills during the coming season.

The question of controlling the charges for the hire of threshing mills, on the lines suggested by the Deputy, has already been fully considered. I am satisfied, however, that the Deputy's suggestion would be unworkable, on account of the wide variation in the sizes of the mills used and in the conditions under which the machines are hired in different localities. The only practicable method of fixing maximum charges is that provided for in the Emergency Powers (No. 361) Order, 1945.