asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a statement in regard to (a) the present marketing arrangements for oats, and (b) the price being paid up to the present to the farmer.

There is no official control over the marketing of oats. The most profitable method whereby any farmer can market his oats is to feed it to his own live stock for which there is an unlimited market.

The cash market for oats is limited and prices depend largely on the quantity on offer. I understand that the price being paid to growers at present is in the region of 30/- to 35/- a barrel.

I am informed that arrangements are being made for the export of a cargo (200 tons) of oats and that there is a possibility of further exports being arranged.

Import licences have been issued for the relatively small supplies of seed of winter varieties of oats which are not available here but it is not proposed pending further examination to issue further licences for the import of oats other than pedigree seed.

Will the Minister give any indication of the price that will be paid for the oats that is about to be exported?

I do not know, but the Deputy will recall that anyone who wished to make a contract last spring for the growing of oats could have done so, at 40/- a barrel, with the miller.

Was not that a very limited market, at £2 a barrel?

I have not heard of anyone being refused a contract.

Well, I have.

It is a pity you waited until now to tell me.