asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will provide a grant for glasshouse owners anxious to convert their oilfired boilers to allow for the use of turf.

The feasibility of making greater use of alternative fuels to oil for the heating of glasshouses is being examined. The question of providing grants for the conversion of existing oil fired boilers will depend on the outcome of the examination.

No doubt the Minister is aware that the need is urgent. Can he give me any idea of when the examination will be completed?

I cannot, and I cannot say whether at the end of the examination the cost of making the alterations to boilers and equipment generally may not be quite heavy. I understand that the present position is that there is a considerable saving in using turf if you have a suitable boiler and equipment for it. The matter is being examined and I hope it will not take too long.

I am sure the Minister accepts that that is not a very satisfactory answer for people in the area and anybody involved in the glasshouse industry. Pending the outcome of the investigation, would the Minister be prepared to make any comment in regard to the VAT at present imposed on fuel being used for the boilers?

That is a separate matter.

A separate matter and a separate Minister.

It is the same matter in that it concerns the cost of fuel for these boilers.