asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that large quantities of imported margarine are on sale in this country, and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that margarine is manufactured here and that a plentiful supply of butter is available, he will take steps to prevent the importation of this commodity.

Representations have been made to me by the margarine manufacturers about imports of margarine and I am having these representations examined.

Is the Minister aware that some of the factories are on half time in Cork?

I am not so aware, but I might mention that if it is so, it is not due to the importation of margarine, because the total value of the home-produced margarine is in the vicinity of £1,000,000 per annum and the imports for 1954 were less than £20,000 for that commodity. The Deputy can do the sum in arithmetic at his leisure.

This is 1955.