asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the result of the last canvass of the E.S.B. in the Newbliss district, County Monaghan; and when rural electrification will be extended there.

I am informed by the E.S.B. that the last canvass of the Newbliss area was carried out early in 1953 and that only 50 per cent of the householders agreed to take supply. The area has not so far been selected for development as its returns did not compare favourably with those for other areas awaiting development in the board's Dundalk district. The area will be reconsidered in due course and the decision of the board will depend on how its returns then compare with those for other areas awaiting development in the Dundalk district.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary look into the question of the E.S.B. arriving at its percentage of acceptance on the basis of all houses and buildings in the area, without regard to the user of the buildings concerned?

That is an entirely separate question.

Take the Newbliss area. According to the basis on which you proceed, you could calculate that the percentage at Newbliss amounts to 70 per cent., but, on another basis, you could make it 50 per cent.

That is a separate question.