asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy (a) whether his Department maintained at 1 January 1979, standing subscriptions to any periodicals principally concerned with energy or fuels, in particular oil; (b) if so, which periodicals, how many copies of each, and from which agency they were supplied.

As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement——

I wish to ask a supplementary question on Question No. 9.

——I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.

I was trying to ask a supplementary question on Question No. 9 while the Minister was reading the answer to Question No. 10.

I called Question No. 10 and the Minister answered it.

I did not hear one word of the answer to Question No. 10.

That is not the fault of the Chair.

As usual, there are three Opposition Deputies on their feet at the same time.

We know we may be inclined to be disorderly but it is unmanly to try to get out of a question by talking through a barrage of interruptions.

The Deputy is aware that Question Time does not permit an inquisition across the floor of the House while ignoring the Chair. Sometimes two Members are on their feet at the same time.

Surely the House is entitled to information.

The House is entitled to information but questions must be asked in an orderly manner in accordance with established order as laid down in Standing Orders.

I am sorry if I said anything offensive. I would be very glad if the Minister would repeat the answer to Question No. 10. I did not hear one word.

As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

Details of standing subscriptions maintained at 1 January 1979 to periodicals principally concerned with energy or fuels.

I have been trying in an orderly fashion to ask a supplementary question on Question No. 9 and I was not given the opportunity by the Chair to do so.

Question No. 10 has been answered.

I know the Chair called Question No. 10 but I was standing and endeavouring to ask a question on Question No. 9 which I think is relevant and something that is of interest to the general public. Deputy O'Leary and myself tried to ask supplementary questions. With the permission of the Chair, I should like to ask a supplementary question on Question No. 9.

If the Deputy asked the question instead of that preamble we would have an answer now.

I answered Question No. 10 twice.

I am trying to find out if the outside consultants referred to by the Minister are Irish or if they are from outside the country?

As far as I know they are from outside the country. However, I have not checked the matter and I am not certain.

I think that information needs further probing in this House. Obviously the Chair will not allow further supplementaries. It is significant information that the Irish Government are receiving all of their advice on energy matters from consultants outside the country.

That is not true.

I want to ask a supplementary question on Question No. 10.

I wanted to facilitate Deputy Barry who said I ignored him when he was on his feet attempting to ask a question. I am calling Question No. 11.