asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of recent reports that a minimum of ten acres of beet production will be required from each farmer before the sugar factories will consider the granting of a contract for production in 1974; and, if so, if he will indicate the extent to which small farmers and farmers who are short of finance will be affected.

I am not aware of any such reports.

In accordance with established procedure direct negotiations between Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta and the beet growers on contract acreage and prices for 1974 are in progress. The company have assured me that there is no intention of introducing a requirement that growers must contract for a minimum of ten acres of beet in 1974.