asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what action he proposes to take regarding the present flax situation; and whether, in view of his statement in the Dáil regarding the former Minister's mishandling of the situation, he will now indicate what, if anything, can be done.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave the Deputy on 5th February, 1953.

In view of the fact that in this House the Minister deliberately, specifically and pointedly castigated his predecessor in office for his alleged mishandling of the flax situation, will the Minister now tell the Dáil what could have been done by his predecessor or could now be done by him to change the situation in regard to flax?

The difference was that he tried to handle the situation. I did not.

That is a very proud boast.

You put your foot in it.

Is it not a fact that the previous Minister for Agriculture relinquished any powers he had in connection with negotiations on the flax question and left the matter between the northern spinners and the flax producers? Was there not a Bill introduced by the previous Minister to that effect?

Yes.

No. I do not like to contradict the lady but she is talking through her most becoming hat.

I understood that DeputyDillon had relinquished any powers he had over negotiations on the flax question and left the matter between the northern spinners and the flax producers. Is that right or not?

One thing is right, that the present Minister has relinquished everything.