asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when it is proposed to introduce the Bill to give statutory authority for an Irish merchandise shipping flag that has been promised now for about two years.

The preparation of a Bill on the subject of Merchant Shipping has proved the most complex of the matters in which my Department is concerned. The work is proceeding, but I am not in a position to give a date for the introduction of a Bill.

My question was in regard to a merchant shipping flag. I do not know whether the Minister's answer deals specifically with that. He emphasised the words, merchant shipping, without a flag.

The question was addressed to me, and the question of a flag, as opposed to merchant shipping proper, is not one for my Department.

Is the Minister aware that I addressed a question in practically this form two years ago to his predecessor, and was privately assured by him that a Bill was actually framed and ready for introduction?

I think the Deputy's memory must be misleading him. A Bill was not ready, and I am informed that an answer stating a Bill was actually framed and ready for introduction on the question of merchant shipping was never given.