asked the Minister of Food when he proposes to announce the prices and conditions of sale of strawberries for this season; and if, before doing so, he will consult smallholders and find out the costs of production under present conditions and so fix prices so that they will receive a profit to cover their outlay and weather risks.

Price discussions have already taken place with the growers' representatives and costs of production have been taken into account in the prices which I hope to announce very shortly.

In order to avoid the evils of last year, will the Minister consult the direct representatives of the small growers, and not take only the word of the National Farmers' Union?

I could not give such an undertaking.

On a point of Order. This is very important. Is the Minister aware that last year the small growers claimed that they were not properly represented and were overruled by the big interests?

That is not a point of Order.