asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will indicate (a) the number and (b) the aggregate amount or value of loans granted for the provision and equipment of storage for grain under the Grain Storage (Loans) Act, 1951, up to the latest available date in 1953.

No loans have been made to date under the Grain Storage (Loans) Act, 1951.

Have any applications been received?

Yes, six.

Would the Minister kindly say how long the applications have been under consideration?

I am not in a position to say.

How long does the Minister expect they will be in before they are settled one way or the other?

I cannot say.

Have the applications been made in tillage centres or adjacent to the ports?

I have no details as to the applications.