asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he considers that there is any possibility of developing rape seed as a commercial crop at farm level, especially as protein foods are expensive on the world market.

The answer to the Deputy's question is "Yes".

Rape seed is at present being grown here in a small way for oil production and could be expanded as an attractive crop for Irish farmers. The EEC price support arrangements provide for an intervention price in Ireland varying between £88.19 and £96.82 per ton for standard quality.