asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether the importation of soya bean meal from the USA has ceased.

The importation of soya bean meal from the USA has not ceased. The US Department of Commerce announced on the 27th June that in the period ending 30th September, 1973 all unfulfilled export contracts for soya bean meal existing on the 13th June would be met to the extent of 40 per cent only.

Has the Minister seen the reports in the newspapers recently from the poultry industry people who are very perturbed in relation to the soya bean meal situation and, if so, would he comment on those reports?

I can understand the concern and anxiety not only of the poultry industry but of the pig producers also. However, this concern is shared all over Europe. What can they do about it?

Has the Minister any alternative suggestion to make regarding another form of high protein supplement?

I do not think we will run out of protein all that quickly. Probably we will have enough to carry on for a couple of months or into the new harvest. However, it may be necessary to reduce the protein content of feed for the time being but this will have to be done everywhere.

Is the Minister aware——

I have advised Deputies that there are more than 200 questions on the Order Paper for today. The Chair would be very grateful for the co-operation of Deputies in making some worthwhile progress.

The day is long yet.

Is the Minister aware that if in relation to the importation of soya bean meal, only 40 per cent is being allowed in, the poultry industry in general will be hit and that we will have a situation where poultry will be much dearer? Would the Minister care to comment on that?

Has the Deputy any suggestions to offer?

I am asking the Minister.

Of course, I am the Minister but as I have said I have no suggestions to offer on this matter and neither has anybody in Europe.

Can the Minister say whether, in his estimation and from any knowledge he has been able to acquire from the various sources, this is likely to be a continuing shortage situation and, if so, what steps are being taken by his Department to try to find a way in which we might do something about fulfilling the requirements from our own resources?

The opinion is that this difficulty is only of a temporary nature, that it will only continue until the next harvest. I understand that there is a much greater acreage of soya beans being grown in America today and that the prospects for that crop are excellent.

Question No. 16.

Is the Minister aware that one compounder has reduced the protein content of feed by 1 per cent since the 9th July and that this could be very dangerous in respect of laying and breeding fowl? Has the Minister taken any steps to allay the dangers that might be caused to poultry as a result of this protein deficiency?

I have indicated how limited I am in relation to the steps that are open to me. Naturally, there will be some reduction in production in so far as laying hens are concerned but there is nothing I can do in the matter.

If——

The Deputy has had more than his fair share of supplementary questions.

Can the Minister say what action will be taken by the Government who are supposed to be fixing prices if an application is made for increased poultry and egg prices?

As the Deputy knows, that is a matter for another Department.