asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that in bog areas many farmers with small holdings, as well as many cottiers, engage privately each year in the production of hand-won turf for which they find a favourable market and that such parties are not eligible for the special grants allocated to county councils to provide alternative employment for bog workers employed by those councils during the emergency; and, if so, whether he will make arrangements whereby petrol will be supplied to lorry owners for the transport of such turf even though these lorry owners may not possess a merchandise licence.

The answer is in the affirmative.