asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the abnormal shortage of cigarettes which has existed for the past few months, and if he is prepared to make representations to the manufacturers to have larger quantities released each month.

I am aware that there has been a shortage of cigarettes for the last few months and consideration is being given to the possibility of taking steps to relieve the shortage.

What steps?

I cannot answer that question at the moment.

I beg the Minister's pardon.

I am not in a position to answer that question at the moment.

One would imagine if he knew that steps were to be taken he would know what the steps were?

I said that consideration was being given to the steps which might be taken.

I see—so we are two steps off from the steps?