In view of the budget speech and the fact that the Minister for Finance said he was taking £10.3 million out because of the suspension of the scheme, can the Minister say what has become of that fund? It was said at the time that the lime subsidy, etc., would be paid out of the Exchequer. It was stated that this had been done by agreement with the EEC. What has happened to that money?

It is the saving that has been effected that is important.

You are only codding the farmers.

The Minister made a statement that there would be a saving of £10.3 million. Does the Minister agree with me that he and the Department, and his colleagues in the Government, should investigate the whole position? Is is not a disgrace that the Government have treated the farmers in this way, particularly small farmers? What does the Minister mean by a saving?

It was saving to the State.

It was a sell-out of the farmers. The Minister was wrong when he spoke about a saving.

I saved the Exchequer £10 million.

17.