asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that imported high protein animal feeding stuffs will be available to farmers in adequate quantities at reasonable prices over the next year; and whether he will make a statement.

A lower production of soya beans by the United States of America last year, together with an increased level of consumption, particularly in those EEC countries affected by the drought, has resulted in the current high prices for protein feeds. A good soya harvest in Brazil, which is now becoming available, should ease the situation. Moreover, first forecasts of United States planting intentions this year show an increase in soya bean acreage of from 12 to 19 per cent. Supplies from this crop will be available towards the end of the year.