asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if his attention has been drawn to the lack of sufficient adhesive substance on recent issues of postage stamps.

I am aware that there have been complaints in this matter. Laboratory tests indicate that there has been no deterioration in the quality of the adhesive in recent years. The matter is, however, being kept under observation.

Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that in certain post offices they have to supply gum from under the counter to people purchasing stamps? The stamps are costing enough without people being unable to stick them on.

I am not so aware. The gum is normally attached to the back of the stamp.

I quite agree it should be but, unfortunately, it is not there at all.

It is a sticky situation.

Not all the gum in the world will keep the Parliamentary Secretary sticking in that seat.

Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary will make ample supplies of gum available for Ballybrittas post office which is to be filled during the week.

(Cavan): A sticky job.

It is obviously too sticky for the Deputy.

A Cheann Comhairle, I have the reply to Question No. 9 now.

Question No. 9.

Did the reply stick to the wrong file?

It is sticking to the wrong question. The Minister is going backwards.