asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state if his Department have ever analysed the crab and apple substance left after the manufacture of cider as an ingredient for a pig ration; and, if so, if he will state what percentage of specific protein is in the ingredient.

Samples of the material left after the manufacture of cider have been analysed in the State Laboratory. This product is liable to wide variations in its composition but it is clear that it has a low protein content and a high fibre content. If included in a pig ration, only a small percentage should be used, the actual percentage depending on the fibre content of the material being used and on the fibre content of the remaining constituents of the ration.

Is the Minister aware that some time back Grain Importers Limited held up licences for this particular commodity to be imported from a European country and imported it themselves afterwards.

When was that?

The Minister is better aware of the period than I am. The Minister is carrying on on the same lines himself now.