asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will send down to Broadford, Co. Clare, a representative of his Department to enquire into and report on the possibilities of restarting the local slate quarry which was extensively worked about sixty years ago and which gave much local employment.

An officer of my department made an inspection of the slate deposits in the neighbourhood of Broadford, Co. Clare, on Saturday last. The report of his visit is at present under consideration.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, can he state in view of the probable demand for Irish slates for housing in future, if there is any Irish quarry that can deliver 24 by 14 and 24 by 12 slates at commercial prices?

I think we would require separate notice of that with full particulars in regard to the specification mentioned by Deputy Dockrell.

It is not a specification. These are the ordinary sizes. Will the Minister make inquiries?

We shall be glad to make any inquiries Deputy Dockrell wishes. It is only now I understand what is the standard size of a slate.

"Slates is slates," Deputy Dockrell wishes the Minister for Industry and Commerce to know.