asked the Taoiseach if he will state the number of males engaged on farm work on 1st June in 1956 and 1957.

The estimated number of males engaged on farm work on 1st June, 1956 was 409,300. The corresponding provisional figure for 1st June, 1957, was 402,700.

I take it that figure includes not only persons who are working for wages on the land but also members of farmers' families?

The number of males engaged on farm work.

It includes members of families?

They are also presumed to be males.

This is a matter upon which Deputy Briscoe might well keep silent.

That much I know, that a farmer is a male.

I have great restraint.