asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he was requested several months ago to receive a deputation from the National Federation of Branch Managers (Department of Industry and Commerce) to discuss a number of matters complained of by them; whether, in March last, he informed the federation that he was agreeable to receive the deputation when certain inquiries had been completed; whether he is in a position to state if these inquiries have been completed, or are likely to be completed within a reasonable time; and, if so, whether he is now in a position to indicate when the deputation will be received.

I have received from the National Federation of Branch Managers of my Department the representations described by the Deputy. I may be in a position to receive its representatives at an early date.