asked the Minister for Supplies if a permit to import a five-foot circular saw was sought from his Department by Messrs. Cuddy Brothers, Ballinakill Saw Mills, Glinsk, Ballymoe, County Galway; if it was stated in the application that Messrs. Crawnshaw, Chapman & Co., Limited, Sheffield, were prepared to supply the saw; if he will state whether the admission of such a necessary tool is being facilitated by his Department; further, if he will say if the Department of Defence has made an objection; and, if so, the reasons for such objection.

There are no restrictions on the importation of circular saws. The position is, however, that the British authorities, to whom representations were made in the matter through the appropriate channels, have intimated that they are not prepared to authorise the export of sawing equipment to this country.

Any question affecting the Department of Defence should be addressed to the Minister for Defence.