asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in making a return to the Dáil of the state of employment in those industries which receive protection by means of tariffs in the Finance Act, 1925, he will also include figures showing the present state of employment in those industries which received protection by means of tariffs in 1924-25.

The last figures showing the state of employment in those industries which received protection by means of tariffs in 1924-25 was prepared by my Department as for 1st July, 1925. The following was the position at that date:—

It is proposed to obtain similar returns twice yearly, showing the position on 1st July and 1st January. The next return for this group of industries will be available towards the end of February, 1926.

Is the Minister prepared to issue a return showing the comparative prices of protected articles in the Saorstát and similar articles in Great Britain or other countries?

That is a separate question.

In view of the beneficent effect of the tariffs on the articles mentioned, will the Minister consider the advisability of extending the tariffs to other manufactured articles in the Saorstát?

That also is a separate question.