asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he expects to be in a position to announce the grain prices for 1970.

Grain prices and marketing arrangements for 1970 are under consideration at present. I shall make an announcement in the near future.

Is the Minister aware that last year the prices for grain were announced in November and can he tell the House the reason for the delay this year or can he tell us when he envisages announcing the prices?

The question of prices for the coming year is being gone into at the moment and I hope to announce the prices in the near future.

Within the next few days?

I can assure the Deputy that prices will not be down on last year.