asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider giving the approved applicants for the new silage subsidy scheme an offer of another grant in 1986 as second time silage makers to enable them to provide concrete slabs as this would encourage more of them to make silage each year in the future rather than depend solely on making hay as they did in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The subsidy for first time silage makers operated this year was purely an emergency measure occasioned by the adverse summer weather. Its purpose was to alleviate the problems of fodder supplies for winter feeding. A similar subsidy in 1986 is not envisaged. I should like to add that at present we are drawing up a new structured scheme and are looking at the question of provision of items such as silage slabs. This matter is being pursued actively and it is hoped to publish the details of the scheme within a matter of weeks.

Will it be before Christmas?

It will be in the Deputy's lucky bag or in his stocking, if he still hangs it up.

It was to have been introduced on 1 October.