asked the Taoiseach the latest balance of trade figures between this country and (a) USSR, (b) China, (c) Rhodesia, and (d) South Africa.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the information requested by the Deputy for the 12 months ended March 1979.

Following is the statement:

External trade in the 12 months ended March 1979.

Note: The above figures exclude trade through the Shannon Free Airport area.

Would it be possible for the Minister of State, in view of his recent success and his familiarity with figures, to read out just the four figures involved?

That is a practice that the Chair would like to discourage if part of an answer is circulated.

There are 12 figures. It is not a question of four figures. The reply covers imports, exports and differentials.