asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that, while flax growing is an important industry in West Cork, the price fixed for the 1946-47 crop is not an economic one on account of high production costs, including the cost of labour; and if he will make the necessary arrangements to have the fixed price of dam-retted flax increased.

The prices for flax of the 1946 crop are the best that could be arranged and I am satisfied there is no possibility of securing an increase.

Has the Minister any responsibility for fixing the price of flax?

No. I merely look for the best price.

Is the Minister aware that the flax crop in the district has gone down considerably since the price was fixed?

They have 4,000 acres there all the same.

Surely, the Minister is aware that the flax industry is worth nearly £250,000 in West Cork. There are several scutch mills there employing upwards of 500 men and if the flax crop goes down these men will be thrown out of employment.