asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the quantity and value of floor coverings of wool or fine hair purchased by the Commissioners of Public Works in each of the years ended 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955 and in the ten months ended 30th October, 1956, distinguishing in respect of each year between imported and home manufactured carpets; and if he will state in respect of both categories the quantities and values of Gripper Axminster, Spool Axminster, Chenille Axminster, Handtufted carpets, Wilton carpets and other types contained therein.

The reply is in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, it is proposed to circulate with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:—

STATEMENT SHOWING THE QUANTITY AND VALUE OF FLOOR COVERINGS OF WOOL OR FINE HAIR PURCHASED BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC WORKS DURING EACH OF THE YEARS 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955 AND IN THE TEN MONTHS ENDED 31ST OCTOBER, 1956.

*Records showing the quantity and value of each of the three types of Axminster Processed Carpets are not available but it is estimated that the Spool type constitutes approximately 90% of the total quantity involved.

asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the quantity and value of floor-coverings of linoleum and similar material purchased by the Commissioners of Public Works in each of the years 1952, 1953, 1954 and 1955; (b) for each year the quantity and value of foreign-made material purchased; and (c) how many firms were requested to tender for the Commissioners' requirements.

The reply is in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, it is proposed to circulate with the Official Report.

The following is the statement:—

STATEMENT showing the quantity and value of floor covering of linoleum and similar material purchased by the Commissioners of Public Works in each of the years 1952, 1953, 1954 and 1955; the source of origin of the material; and the number of firms specifically requested to tender.