asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the agreement as to compensation to be paid by the Irish Flour Millers Association to the proprietors of the Ballina Flour Mills and to the workers employed in this mill was submitted to him for his approval; and if the quota of this mill will be extinguished or transferred.

I have been informed by the Irish Flour Millers Association of their general proposals for the compensation of millowners and mill workers, in the case of mills which close down under the industry's rationalisation scheme, but my agreement to these proposals was neither sought nor required.

If and when the mill referred to closes down and surrenders its milling licence this licence will be revoked and the quota of the mill will be extinguished.

Will the cost of this compensation paid by the Irish Flour Millers Association be passed on to the consumer by way of an increased price for flour?

It will not. This fund has been built up over a long number of years—far before this rationalisation scheme was introduced. Therefore, I do not anticipate that the cost will be passed on to the consumer.

There were three increases recently. I take it that some of that was for compensation in respect of six mills which were closed down.

The reasons for the increases in price of flour and bread are under investigation at present. I do not believe that is one of them.

Is compensation paid in every case where men are disemployed?

I have no reason to believe it is not paid.

I shall give the Minister a few instances where it is not.