asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the total administrative cost of An Bord Gráin since its inception to a recent convenient date; and whether this cost has been fully met from the wheat levy.

As the accounts of An Bord Gráin for the year ending 31st August next will be laid before the House in accordance with Section 20 of the Agricultural Produce (Cereals) (Amendment) Act, 1958, I would not feel justified at this stage in asking the board to prepare a special account of its administrative costs.

As regards the second part of the question, the position is that the proceeds of the levy will fall considerably short of the sum needed to meet the board's net outgoings. The balance will be provided by the Exchequer.