asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he intends to grant facilities to citizens of the Republic for the export of turkeys and bacon during the Christmas period to their friends in Great Britain; and, if so, if he will state on what conditions.

Permits will be granted to residents in this country to send gifts of turkeys or geese during the coming Christmas season to immediate relatives in Great Britain; that is, to the father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother or sister of the sender. Application forms will be available at post offices throughout the country very shortly. A full announcement containing particulars of procedure to be followed by applicants will appear in to-morrow's newspapers.

I wish to repeat the warning I gave last year that any attempt to obtain a permit by misrepresentation of relationship or supplying false information in other respects will result in the prosecution of the parties concerned.

I regret that these facilities cannot be made available this year in respect of ham or bacon.

Would the Minister say why these facilities will not be made available as regards ham?

One, because I am not satisfied that they might not operate unduly to restrict supplies on the domestic market; and, two, the administrative difficulties in determining whether the bacon would arrive at its destination in a fit and proper condition.

Will the Minister say if these reasons existed last year?

I am not in a position to say, but I will have the matter examined if the Deputy wishes the information.