asked the Taoiseach he will state the number of persons employed (a) whole-time and (b) part-time in the manufacture of razor blades in the State.

Since only two establishments are engaged in the manufacture of razor blades in the State, it is not possible to give the information requested by the Deputy as this would involve the disclosure of the business of the individual concerns.

Are these Irish concerns?

Yes. They are manufacturing razor blades in this country.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say how many such establishments there would have to be in the country before he could give the information asked for in the question?