asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the considerable reduction in the quantity and quality of meat purchased by housewives in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

While there has been a slight reduction in the quantity of some meats purchased by Dublin housewives, this has been more than offset by a considerable increase in the quantity of other meats purchased. As regards quality I am not aware of any reduction in the quality of meat on sale in Dublin.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary accept that the people in the trade would inform him that there has been a reduction, as high as 50 per cent, in both the quality and quantity of meat being purchased in Dublin in the last six months?

My information in relation to quantity is that there is no reason to suggest that there has been a considerable reduction in the quantity of meat purchased in Dublin.

Did the Parliamentary Secretary obtain that information from the victuallers in Dublin?

As the Deputy knows, I got my information from the Statistics Office.

I am afraid they have not many butchers, because that is not the position.

Question No. 13, please.

I wish to have a written reply on that.

Question No. 13 for written reply.