asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of persons resident in (a) the town of Mullingar, and (b) the town of Moate, who are drawing unemployment assistance and the number who are registered as being unemployed in each of these towns.

(a) On the 28th March, 1938, there were 176 persons resident in the town of Mullingar registered for employment, of whom 70 were drawing unemployment assistance, and 90 unemployment benefit; (b) On the same date there were 47 persons resident in the town of Moate registered for employment, of whom 39 were drawing unemployment assistance, and eight unemployment benefit.

In view of the large number of unemployed people in Mullingar, will the Parliamentary Secretary say if any steps have been taken to start some factory or industry in that town?