asked the Taoiseach the increases in the agricultural price index between (a) May 1976 and November 1976; (b) November 1976 and May 1977; (c) May 1977 and November 1977.

The following are the percentage increases in the agricultural price index numbers in the periods specified: May 1976 to November 1976, 13.3 per cent; November 1976 to May 1977, 11.0 per cent; May 1977 to November 1977, 2.9 per cent.

It should be noted that comparisons of monthly index numbers are affected by the seasonal pattern of production and marketing in agriculture. The 1977 figures are subject to revision.