asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state in connection with the land rehabilitation scheme and his proposal to have the machinery used on the scheme sold to private contractors (1) the number of such machines operating in West Limerick on the following dates, 31st March, 1950; 31st March, 1951; and 31st March, 1952; and (2) the number of machines disposed of to date of those referred to at (1) above, the names and addresses of the purchasers and the amount of money paid in respect of each machinery unit.

There has not been any of my Department's machinery operating in West Limerick. Work is, however, being carried out there by contractors. Arrangements for the sale of my Department's machinery have not yet been completed.

Can the Minister state when it will be completed?

Shortly, I expect.

Could the Minister tell us the cause of the delay?

There is not any unnecessary delay.

Not according to the way the Minister does his business, apparently—three months for nothing.