asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the serious economic plight of the provincial newspaper industry; and what steps he proposes to take to save this industry from financial difficulties.

There is no positive information available to my Department which would indicate the financial state of the provincial newspaper industry as a whole. Up to now the newspaper industry has not been eligible for either adaptation or re-equipment grants but, following a recommendation of the Committee on Industrial Progress the extension of grants to the industry is, at present, under consideration by the Industrial Development Authority. I expect a decision shortly.