Would the Minister agree that increases in basic foodstuffs such as butter, eggs, cheese and milk arising out of the recent decisions by Agriculture Ministers will have a very great impact on the living standards of the medium to underpaid sections of our community? Does the Minister agree that the case should be examined in relation to subsidising a selection of foodstuffs? While one applauds the possibility of an increase in farmers' incomes does the Minister agree that the living standards of people on low incomes should be protected?

Obviously the Government will consider any situation as it arises. The Deputy will appreciate——

There is no conjecture about it, the situation will arise.

We do not know when. It will add 1¼ per cent over the whole year.

That is the Minister's estimate. The Minister will agree that there are higher estimates.

Any estimate which I give to the House will be reasonably accurate——

Except for foreign borrowing.

Except for the Minister's Budget Statement.

We will come to that later.

Would the Minister consider introducing subsidies on some foods?

This is a matter which the Government will have to consider at the appropriate time. The Deputy is now entering the fray which we have had for weeks from the Fine Gael benches. On the economic debate, the Deputy called for subsidies, reduction in taxation and borrowings. Which is the Deputy's priority——

The Minister should make up his own speeches.

I know the Minister is limbering up for the exercise at the weekend but could I ask him in relation to this important subject what percentage figure he would foresee on the introduction of subsidies? If these food prices, which he calculates at 1¼ per cent exceed two per cent, would that be an opportune time for the Government to introduce subsidies?

That is a hypothetical question. I have given the House the best possible estimate of what they will be. Obviously the Government will have to consider the situation if and when the time comes.