asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that producers are dissatisfied with the operation of the Potato Marketing Board since it became a limited company and that they consider that there is insufficient producer representation on the board, and, if so, if he will take such steps as are necessary to ensure adequate producer representation on the board.

I am not aware of any dissatisfaction on the part of growers generally with the operation of the Irish Potato Marketing Company. The company is primarily a selling organisation, and, notwithstanding the very keen competition from other exporting countries, has succeeded each year in finding remunerative outlets for all of our surplus seed potatoes. Representations have been received by me regarding producer representation on the board of the company. I would, however, point out to the Deputy that under the articles of association of the company the power to increase the number of directors rests with the board, on which there are at present three growers' representatives.