asked the Taoiseach if he will state what progress has been made by the Emergency Scientific Research Bureau towards finding a suitable substitute for petrol; whether the bureau has yet reported to him on the matter, and, if so, when such report will be made available to members of the Oireachtas.

I have been informed by the bureau that it is satisfied that no substitute for petrol can be produced from native sources in sufficient quantities to go near meeting the needs of the country. The bureau is investigating the possibility of providing, on a relatively small scale, alternative fuels for motor transport. Reports on any results obtained will be made to the Taoiseach who will decide what subsequent action should be taken.