asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state approximately:—(a) the number of agricultural tractors operating in 1940 and the acreage ploughed by same in that year; (b) the total acreage of all farms where tractors are in use and the total acreage under the plough on these farms; (c) the probable acreage ploughed by these tractors on other farms; i.e., on a hire basis; (d) the total amount of fuel supplied for these tractors in 1940; and (e) the number of agricultural tractors provided with a high compression engine for which vaporising oil or similar oil is essential.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Tractors.
I regret that the information desired by the Deputy is not available.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what progress has been made towards the adoption of schemes for the expansion of handwon-turf production, and if a scheme for production operated by the State has been considered.
The principal expansion possible in the production of hand-won turf is through the agency of individual producers. Recognising this, the Turf Development Board is taking steps to secure the greatest possible production of hand-won turf in the turf-producing areas during the coming season. In this connection the Deputy has, no doubt, seen the notices which appeared in the Press on Saturday last. Further measures to secure the fullest possible utilisation of turf by fuel-users in the turf-producing areas are being prepared, and will be announced in due course. In anticipation of these I would urge most strongly all users of coal in such areas in their own interests to make their own arrangements at once for an adequate supply of turf to meet their needs.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary given consideration to the fact that the arrangements which have been made, and the announcements issued, only touch on the fringe of the question, as if there is to be the expansion that is required, direct employment must be given by the Department or by the Turf Development Board so that the requisite production will be reached?
No.
Does the Department intend to consider the matter?