asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the supply of potatoes for home use will be sufficient to meet the demand, without resort to a rationing system or to an increase in price.

The quantity of potatoes required for human consumption represents only a small proportion of the total crop and it is not anticipated that exceptional difficulty will be experienced in maintaining adequate supplies to markets. Many factors influence the trend of potato prices, and my Department keeps the position under constant review.

Can the Minister say anything about the latter part of the question in relation to prices?

I have informed the Deputy that the position is being kept under constant review.