asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the hardship which the rise in the cost of oil will cause farmers using oil-fired grass driers and what steps he proposes tc mitigate the position.

I am advised that the fuel consumed by oil-fired grass driers is not subject to the increase in the Customs and Excise duty on hydrocarbon oils announced in the Budget Statement.

Does the Minister realise that that reply will give great relief to a large number of farmers throughout the country?

All my replies do.