asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of tax collected on tobacco, cigarettes, spirits, beer, stout and petrol in each of the years from 1972 to 1977.

The answer is in the from of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

Net Receipts of Customs and Excise Duty*

*The figures shown do not include receipts from value added tax. Particulars of receipts from this tax in respect of the commodities mentioned are not maintained separately.

†The bulk of the tobacco revenue is derived from raw leaf imported for manufacture into cigarettes, pipe tobaccos and other products. Separate receipts are not available in respect of these manufactured products.

‡Due to the introduction of the new financial year as from 1st January, 1975 the period covered here comprises the nine months from 1st April, 1974 to 31st December, 1974.

Could the Taoiseach give the figures for 1972 and 1977?

Tobacco, including cigarettes, 1972, £53.3 million; 1977, budget estimate, £103.4 million. Spirits, 1972, £28 million; estimate, 1977, £68.5 million. Beer and stout, 1972, £38.6 million; estimate, 1977, £103.6 million. Petrol, 1972, £42.6 million; estimate, 1977, £109.5 million.

38.