(Limerick West) and Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture the quantity of native barley in compound feeds at present, i.e. pigs, cattle, poultry.

Normally home grown barley represents about one-third of compound feedingstuffs but at this stage of the year, and in the light of the keen demand for feed in recent months, the proportion is appreciably lower. No precise figure is, however, available.

Does the Minister have proposals to increase the barley content?

No, I do not. This is a matter for the trade. It is up to the trade to devise new methods which may be required.

Would the Minister not accept that he has great responsibility in this matter and for that reason would he not consider proposals to ensure that more native barley is used for the benefit of the economy?

I have not got any such proposal. Maybe if I had I would but I have not. If I had proposals I would examine them, of course, but I have not.