asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether, in the specification for boots purchased for the Army, it is required that the sole leather or any of the component parts of the boot shall be of Irish manufacture, or if any preference is to be given to contractors who guarantee that Irish tanned leather will be used.

This question refers to the Minister for Defence.

On that point, the Minister for Finance said it referred to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs. It was sent in as a question to the Minister for Finance, and your officers, sir, were informed by the Minister for Finance that it referred to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.

The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs informed the Minister for Defence that it referred to him.

I should have said that it was sent in to the Minister for Defence. Are we to understand now that it is the Minister for Finance that gives orders out for boots made of foreign leather?

No, it is the Minister for Defence draws up the regulations in the first instance, and my Department issues the tenders. The final check or ratification of these tenders is a matter for the Minister for Finance. Therefore, the three Ministers are concerned.

Go on with the protection campaign.

Is any Minister prepared to answer this question?

I am. The specification in question does not require that any part of the Army boot shall be of Irish manufacture. Preference is, however, given to the Irish manufacturer by way of the Customs tariff of 15 per cent. A further preference is given to the Irish manufacturer who uses most Irish leather.

Is any preference given to Irish leather?

A further preference is given to the Irish manufacturer who uses most Irish leather.

If it is not stated in the specification, how is it known whether they use Irish leather or not?

The manufacturer will state it in his tender.

Is the manufacturer requested by the specification to state that in his tender?

I have not the specification before me at the moment, and I cannot answer that question.

Will the Minister make sure that such an intimation is recorded in the specification?

Yes.

What extent of preference is given? Is there any definite percentage or arrangement?

There is 15 per cent. tariff in the first instance, and the manufacturer who says that he uses most Irish leather gets a further preference.

What is meant by "a further preference?"

If the Deputy does not know I cannot enlighten him.

If the Minister does not know how can I know?

A further question might be put down, of course.