asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state, for the last year for which figures are available: (a) the acreage under flax; (b) the quantity of flax grown; (c) the value of the flax exported to Northern Ireland; (d) the value of finished linen goods manufactured here and exported overseas; and (e) the average number of workers, distinguishing male and female workers, employed in the manufacture of such finished linen goods here.

In 1946 the area under flax was 26,253 acres and the estimated production 3,586 tons; in addition, 58 acres were grown for seed.

The value of flax scutched, and flax tow or codilla, exported to the six north-eastern counties of Ireland in 1946, amounted to £1,014,594, and the value of finished linen goods manufactured here and exported overseas was £14 in 1946.

Particulars of the average number of workers employed in the manufacture of finished linen goods cannot be furnished, since, as only few firms are concerned, publication would involve the disclosure of these particulars for individual firms.