asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the quantity of coal imported into the Free State for the years ending 31st December, 1929, and 31st December, 1930, respectively.

The quantities of coal imported into the Free State were 2,461,129 tons in the year 1929, and 2,499,531 tons in the year 1930.

Does not the reply given by the Minister seem to indicate that the Shannon Scheme has had no effect at all on the import of coal?

I really do not know what the small extra amount imported was used or required for.