asked the Taoiseach if he will state in respect of each of the years 1954, 1955 and 1956 (a) the quantity of roofing materials imported, (b) the amount of duty paid on such imports, and (c) the number of firms within the State engaged in the manufacture of roofing materials.

(a) Imports are brought to account according to the commodity descriptions shown in the Official Import List. This List does not distinguish roofing materials as such and it is therefore impossible to provide exactly the data required. I propose, however, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate in the Official Report a statement showing the quantity of certain imports in 1954, 1955 and the first nine months of 1956 of the principal materials separately distinguished in the Official Import List which might be used (among many other purposes) in the construction of roofs.

(b) The amount of duty paid on imports of roofing materials is similarly not distinguishable, but it is estimated that the approximate duty figures (exclusive of any Special Import Levy which might have been paid) on the imports shown in the statement circulated were £31,900 from January to September, 1956. Comparable estimates for 1954 and 1955 are not available.

(c) The number of firms within the State and covered by the Census of Industrial Production, 1953, which were engaged partly or wholly in the production of the commodities shown in the statement is 121 (including 97 producing sawn, planed, or dressed lumber).

Following is the statement:—

STATEMENT showing quantity of certain imports in each year 1954, 1955 and in the period January-September, 1956.

(a)Particulars of imports according to two units of quantity are available and are shown in the table.

(b)Estimate based on value of imports.