asked the Minister of Food what action it is proposed to take to increase the number of grain-drying plants and storage of grain in rural districts, and how many grain-storage depots are administered by his Department.

Grain drying and storage accommodation is provided mainly by producers, merchants and users. Encouragement is given by my Department and the Agricultural Departments to firms wishing to instal grain drying and storage facilities where the need is demonstrated. Sixteen grain silos are administered by my Department, while storage is also available in general storage premises and on airfields. The installation of small driers on some of these airfields is under consideration.