asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is in a position to announce the price flax growers may expect to receive per stone for that crop in respect of the year 1951.

I understand that as a result of negotiations between representatives of the Northern Spinners' Association and a group claiming to represent the flax growers and millers, agreement was reached for the purchase of scutched flax of the 1951 crop at prices ranging from 38/- per stone for grade 1 to 30/6 for grade 6 with 1/6 per stone extra for turbine scutched flax, or world prices plus 5 per cent. should such prove to be higher. The agreement is subject to confirmation by the spinners' association.

Would the Minister even now cease to regard flax as the Cinderella of the agricultural industry?

I have to inform the Deputy that the chastening effect of a reduction in the acreage of flax in this part of Ireland has had the eminently desirable result of raising the price of flax by 7/- a stone already and I am not hopeless that a continuation of that process may produce a further increase in prices.

Does the Minister consider a decline in the acreage a tribute to his policy?

I consider the decline in the acreage was a proper and dignified rejoinder to the insolent pretensions of the Northern Ireland flax spinners which have now been abandoned.

Does the same apply to oats?