asked the Minister for Agriculture the actual price of ground limestone at the latest date for which figures are available as a result of removal of the haulage subsidy.

The delivered price of subsidised ground limestone covered by my Department's scheme is £3.93 per tonne.

From inquiries made by my Department it is understood that in non-subsidised areas producers are charging £4.93 per tonne delivered, with an additional charge in some limited areas for deliveries of over 30 miles.

Could the Minister tell us the increased price for 30 miles and 40 miles? What is the actual increase?

I have not that figure. The transport subsidy averages £1 per tonne but can range from £0.43 per tonne to £2.20 per tonne depending on the distance of the farmer from the quarry. There is really no set figure.

Is the Minister aware that in areas over 40 miles away it has gone up £2.10 per tonne?

I have said it averages from £0.43 to £2.20 per tonne depending on the distance from the quarry to the farm.

In the entire Wexford area it is up approximately £2 per tonne. Is the Minister aware of that?

I am, yes.