asked the Taoiseach if he will state the quantity of biscuits imported in the latest 12 month-period for which statistics are available, and how many persons lost their employment in Irish biscuit factories in the same period.

The quantity of biscuits imported during the 12 months ended 31st January, 1956, was 7,283 cwt. It is not possible, without disclosing information as to individual concerns, to give particulars of the employment in Irish biscuit factories.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that approximately 6,000 employees lost their employment during the year under review?

That is absurd.

That is an absurd charge.

That is my information, anyhow.

The Deputy's information is completely wrong.

It did not happen in the Ballina factory.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that two biscuit firms have gone into voluntary liquidation since the Government reduced the subsidy on flour used in confectionery?

I did not hear the latter part of the supplementary.

I asked was the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are two biscuit firms who have gone into voluntary liquidation since the Government reduced the subsidy on. flour used in the manufacture of confectionery?

I am not so aware. The only source of information available to us relating to employment extends over a number of activities which include biscuit manufacturing. The information there does not indicate a fraction of the results Deputy Burke or Deputy Gogan referred to.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that even in one week alone, one biscuit manufacturing firm in Dublin let about 300 workers go, and that between that and another firm 600 were let go altogether?

Oh, I thought you said 6,000?

Well, between the two, my information is that about 600 lost their employment.

You said 6,000.

I meant 600.

The Deputy's figure of even 600 is still a gross exaggeration from our estimates, but that is not by way of reply to the question the Deputy put down. I may add that the amount of imports is 2 per cent. of the whole production.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in spite of the so-called interference with the biscuit trade, a well-known firm found it suitable and possible to reduce the prices of its biscuits?

Hear, hear!