andJ. Lynch asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state, in respect of each of the 12 months ended February, 1956, the quantity of waste paper imported, indicating separately the quantity in respect of each of the various prices.

I am advised by the Central Statistics Office that it would not be possible without a detailed examination of the records of the imports of individual lots of paper waste and old paper to classify such imports by price. I propose, however, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate in the Official Report a statement showing for the period March, 1955, to February, 1956, by country of origin the quantity, value and average price per cwt., c.i.f., of the imports of paper waste and old paper.

Following is the statement:—

IMPORTS OF PAPER WASTE AND OLD PAPER IN EACH MONTH, MARCH, 1955—FEBRUARY, 1956.

Is the Minister aware that, in a letter to Deputy Barrett, the manager of a paper factory in Waterford stated that they had cut out imports completely in December? A week ago the Minister told us that imports were cut down to about 500 tons a week at present.

If the Deputy looks at the question again he will see that there is not a single reference in it to what he now says. If he wants information on that point, perhaps he would put a question in which the matter which is now disclosed will be included.

I agree. I am referring to the Minister's statement last week.

The Deputies' question requested particulars of the various prices at which paper is imported. I have gone to the trouble of having this long table prepared for the edification of the Deputy. If he forgot to include something in his question and only thought about it afterwards, he cannot blame me.