asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the shortage of ticken used by harness makers for lining horse collars and straddles, and if he will say what are the prospects of an increased supply.

I am not aware that there is a shortage of ticken used by harness makers for lining horse collars and straddles. I have made special arrangements for the regular production by the Irish mills of both woollen and cotton harness cloths which are distributed only to saddlers. I have not received any complaint regarding the inability of any saddler to obtain his full requirements of harness ticken.