asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the present level of subsidisations of fertilisers; and the estimated cost of subsidisation for the year 1972-73.

30.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the present rate of subsidisation of ground limestone; and the estimated amount of subsidy for 1972-73.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.

Estimated expenditure in the current financial year (1971-72) on fertiliser subsidy is £6,200,000 and on ground limestone transport subsidy is £1,450,000. The provisions for my Department's Estimates for 1972-73 are in the process of being finalised and while I am not in a position to indicate at this stage what provisions are being included for fertiliser and lime subsidies, I hope that this information will be available at an early date.