asked the Minister for Finance whether requests have been made to certain Cross-Channel firms by the Board of Works for quotations for steel roof work for officers' quarters at Baldonnel; whether an equal opportunity to quote for the work was given to either or all of the Dublin firms which are capable of undertaking such work by the employment of local labour; whether any advertisement was issued for tenders; and if not, what is the reason.

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As to the remainder, the position is that the provision of structural steel-work is included in the ordinary way in the general building contract which was given to a Saorstát firm after invitation of tenders by advertisement in the public Press. The specification contains the usual clause requiring that materials, etc., are, wherever possible, to be obtained from manufacturers operating in the Saorstát. The contractor was instructed to order the steel work for the mess block from a local firm, quotations having been obtained only from local firms having steelyards in the Saorstát and capable of erecting the steel-work.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary state if the Government gives any preference to Saorstát firms for contracts of this and of other descriptions? Is he aware that the Six-County Government give a five per cent. preference to firms in the Six-Counties?

We certainly do give a preference.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary state what is the percentage?

It is in excess of 5 per cent.

It varies according to the amount of work done in the Saorstát.

Is that stated in the advertisement?