asked the Minister for Justice to state the number of prosecutions during the year ended the 30th April, 1931, instituted by the Gárda for breaches of the regulations governing the storage of petrol, and the number of such prosecutions instituted between the 15th April and the 15th May of the present year.

One prosecution was instituted by the Gárda Síochána during the year ended the 30th April, 1931, for a breach of the regulations governing the storage of petrol. No such prosecution was instituted by the Gárdaí during the period the 15th April, 1931, to the 15th May, 1931.

Would the Minister state if any instructions were issued to the Gárda to enforce the regulations relating to the storage of petrol during the period 15th April to 15th May of this year?

The Gárda have to enforce the law.

Were any special instructions issued to the Gárda in connection with the enforcing of these regulations?

No special instructions were issued. The Gárda have general instructions to see that the law is observed.