asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the number of civil servants recruited during the period 1st April, 1957, to date, and the comparable figure in respect of the same period in 1956.

679 civil servants were recruited in the period 1st April to 9th November, 1957, and 901 in the same period in 1956.

These figures do not include persons recruited for seasonal or short term employment or as industrial, agricultural or similar workers.