asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the international situation and of the adverse balance of payments position, he will state what steps are being taken by the Electricity Supply Board to economise in the use of imported fuels and to substitute home-produced fuels for power generation.

In meeting the demand for electricity the policy of the board has always been to give preference to hydro generating stations and stations using native fuel and to bring imported fuel stations into operation only when absolutely necessary. I have been assured by the board that this policy will continue to be pursued energetically and, furthermore, that every effort will be made to expedite the bringing into commission of hydro and native fuel stations which are at present under construction.

Surely the Tánaiste will admit that it is just foolish to ask the E.S.B. now to turn the large stations based on imported oil into native fuel stations——

Speech.

——and surely——

That is not a question. The Deputy is making a statement.

——the Tánaiste is responsible for that policy along with the other members of the Coalition?

That is a long preamble.

Might I call your attention, Sir, to the fact that Deputy Aiken asked if the Tánaiste would admit——

I heard that.

Question No. 11.

The Deputy's question should be put to a keeper of some institution.