asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that there is serious concern within the State because of increasing foreign control over flour milling and grocery concerns; and if he will take steps to put a stop to this undesirable trend.

I am not so aware; nor is there any evidence before me that the operations of foreign interests in the fields mentioned by the Deputy are such as to cause concern.

Is the Minister aware that another flour mill has closed down in the past fortnight?

I am aware of that. It was closed under the rationalisation scheme introduced two years ago. It was one of the mills that it was envisaged at that time would be closed under the scheme.