asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of loans granted in the past four years under (a) the machinery loan scheme, (b) the replacement of stock scheme, and (c) the fertilisers scheme, apart from the land project (fertiliser scheme); further, the total amount paid under the foregoing heads.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a tabular statement showing the information required.

Following is the statement:—

(a) Operated wholly by the Department.

(b) Operated in conjunction with the Agricultural Credit Corporation, Ltd.

(c) In the period 26th January, 1954, to 16th March, 1955.

(d) In the period 30th November, 1954 to 31st March, 1955, 89 loans involving £8,462 were actually sanctioned in that period.