asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider favourably the withdrawal of the stamp duty of £80 payable on the indentures of solicitors' apprentices and the substitution therefor of the duty of 2/6 payable on an ordinary indenture of apprenticeship.

This matter will receive consideration before the introduction of next year's Budget.

When considering that, will the Minister also consider, in consultation with the Incorporated Law Society, the substitution of some qualifying examination if it is decided to waive the substantial stamp duty at present payable, or, possibly, the securing by a candidate of exemption from the payment of that duty on attaining a certain standard in some suitable examination to be undertaken?

The Deputy, I am afraid, is raising a question which should be addressed to the Minister for Justice and not to me. I do not know.

Perhaps the Minister will advert to that aspect of the question?

Yes.