asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he can now make a statement on the extension of Irish Steel, Ltd., by the provision of a mill for the production of sheet steel.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his Department are taking any steps to foster the production of sheet tinplate by Irish Steel, Ltd., and in view of the fact that the value of imported sheet tin is over £1,500,000 annually, he will have the position examined immediatelywith a view to having this industry started.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.

Proposals for legislation affecting this concern are in preparation. I prefer not to make a statement on the matters mentioned in the questions until the Bill is under consideration by the Dáil.

Arising out of the replies to Questions Nos. 5, 6, 9 and 10, I wish to point out to the Minister that at a meeting of the Cobh Workers' Council held on 1st September of this year, which was attended by Deputies Corry, Barry and myself, the three Deputies for the constituency were unanimously requested by the council to approach the Minister in question to have these matters attended to.

It is obvious one Deputy did so.

Is that a question or an excuse?

It is not an excuse. Deputy Barry and myself have adhered to the agreement; Deputy Corry has not. We were to approach the Minister in person. We played the game; he did not.