asked the Minister for Finance the current growth rate target; and if it will exceed the underlying increase of productive potential in the economy.

The aim of economic policy, as indicated in this year's Financial Statement, is to raise the growth rate to 3½ to 4 per cent between mid-1972 and mid-1973. This is within the likely rise in the country's productive potential.

Would the Minister, who is so fond of talking about inflation, tell us what the inflation potential for this year is going to be?

The Deputy is fonder of talking about inflation than I am.

Perhaps I have been interested in the subject longer than the Minister.

I grant that to the Deputy.

Is it not time that the Minister now started thinking about it?

I did not say that I was not thinking about it. The Deputy should not put words in my mouth.

I think it is annoying the Minister now and it is time he took action.