asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that sheep farmers on the Ox mountains in County Sligo are now receiving only 9d per lb. for their wool; and what steps he intends to take to protect the interests of these farmers and the Irish wool industry in general so that the producer may get an adequate return.

I am not so aware. As indicated in my replies to recent questions by Deputy L'Estrange and Deputy McLaughlin, world wool market prices have declined this year and have affected the prices paid in other producing countries also. The decline, however, is by no means as much as the Deputy suggests.

Is the Minister now prepared to admit that the small farmers of Ireland—the small farmers of the West and the midlands—are being offered from 2/- to 2/6 less per lb. for their wool this year as compared with last year?

No.

Is the Minister prepared to tell the truth at any time to the House?

That is an insinuation which the Deputy will have to withdraw.

It does not matter what he says.

Deputy L'Estrange must address the Chair. He must not address a Deputy directly across the floor of the House.

Through the Chair, may I ask the Minister if he is aware that the price being offered for the best quality wool is now in the region of 1/6d to 1/9d per lb. and that this time 12 months ago the price offered and paid to farmers was from 3/10d to 4/6d per lb.? Is the person who now occupies the position of Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries aware of that fact?

It is not borne out by my information.

Where does the Minister get his information?

From the traditional sources.

The Minister is trying to pull the wool over our eyes.

Is the Minister serious in denying to the House——

Denying what?

——that the price of wool has dropped 2/- per lb. since this time last year?

I am not prepared to agree with the Deputy that it has dropped 2/- per lb., grade for grade, compared with last year.