asked the Minister for Agriculture whether an application has been received from the staff of the Butter Marketing Committee for payment of the salary increase of 11/- per week awarded employees of private employers and public bodies; and, if so, when it is proposed to pay the arrears to the staff concerned.

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes". The matter is under examination in my Department, and it is hoped that it will be possible to reach a decision at an early date.

May I add that when I say "an early date", I mean an early date?