asked the Minister for Justice the number of committal orders issued by the Dublin District Court in each of the past three years and in the first half of 1961 in respect of (a) hire-purchase transactions and (b) other debts.

The answer is in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, will appear in the Official Report.

Following is the statement:—

Is the Minister aware that a large number of people are continually purchasing expensive articles like washing machines costing £60 and £70 and selling them at £10 and £15 to pay the Corporation rent? Will he take steps to discourage that practice?

That is a separate question.

A woman told me this week she got £10 by "flogging" a £60 washing machine.

Is the Minister aware that the practice of cashing in hire purchase goods in order to pay urgent debts is becoming a great abuse against poor people in the city and that poor people are being exploited in this way? Does he recall I directed his attention to this——

This is a factual question asking for numbers.

It is a very serious question.

It is unbecoming that this House should tolerate the creation of circumstances causing grave hardship to people in this city and to which the Minister's attention has been directed 18 months ago.

Surely that does not arise on this Question?

The Minister has been asked how many people have been put in jail on this account.

The spirit of the election is abroad.

This woman I mentioned got £10 for a £60 washing machine. They are all doing it.