asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of licences granted to importers in the Republic for the importation of compound and straight fertilisers from Northern Ireland; and the name and the tonnage in each case for the year 1976 and to date in 1977.

24.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the names of the companies or individuals who imported both compound and straight fertiliser into the Republic in the year 1976 and to date in 1977; and the tonnage in each case.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together. Fertilisers—of any type—of Northern Ireland origin are free of duty and may be imported into the Republic without a licence. Comprehensive information as to the quantities imported and names of importers is not available in my Department who have records only in respect of cases in which licences are granted. It is not the practice to disclose the names of applicants to whom licences have been granted; such information is treated as confidential.

I gather from the answer that, for the importation of fertilisers from Northern Ireland a licence is not necessary. In other words, there is free movement of fertilisers between North and South. Is that right.

Yes.