asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the amount of cement which has been imported for building purposes (a) in the 12 months ending the 31st March, 1949, and (b) from the 1st April, 1949, to date.

It is not possible to say how much cement has been imported for building purposes as distinct from other purposes for which cement is used.

The total quantity of cement imported in the 12 months ended 31st March, 1949, was 42,141 tons, and in the period 1st April, 1949, to 30th September, 1949, the total quantity imported was 64,403 tons. This is the latest date for which figures are available.