asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether, in view of the difficult conditions under which this year's agricultural spring work will be carried out, he has caused any revised estimate to be made of the acreage likely to be put under the various crops during the year 1947, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Estimate of Crops Acreage.
While the very late and adverse harvest weather of 1946 and the recent prolonged spell of bad weather has undoubtedly made the attainment of the tillage programme more difficult I feel that, with full and enthusiastic co-operation between farmers themselves and with such assistance as can be provided by other sections of the community, it will be possible to have under tillage at least the same area as in 1946. I can say the need for securing the maximum amount of tillage was never greater in our times.
Does the Minister propose to make any attempt to reestimate what acreage we are likely to have? Does he propose to keep the situation under review?
The Minister has estimated that, with the greatest possible effort, we should at least do as well as in 1946.
Does the Minister propose to take any steps to secure the co-operation and organisation to which he refers?
Yes. I mentioned yesterday that the tillage inspectors have been asked to get in touch with the county staffs and with commercial firms to do everything possible.
He does not propose to seek the co-operation of the county committees of agriculture?
The staff of the county committees, anyway, and, I suppose, the county committees, naturally.