asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the National Farmers' Union as a result of picketing by members of the Transport and General Workers' Union in dispute.

My Department is maintaining very close contact with the National Farmers' Union in monitoring the effect of the current industrial action on food production and distribution. The union has expressed its deep concern at the effect which picketing, particularly in some areas, is having on the continuing supply of animal feed and other raw materials to farms and on the movement of its own produce, and its support for the Government's efforts to maintain essential supplies.