asked the Taoiseach the numbers employed in timber processing industries in this country on (a) 1 June 1978, (b) 1 June 1979.

The total number of persons engaged in the industrial group "Wood and Furniture" was estimated at 7,300 persons in a week in mid-June 1978. The latest available information is in respect of a week in mid-December 1978 when employment was estimated at 7,600.

The question I asked referred to the timber processing industries and has nothing at all to do with the furniture industry which would be a separate subject. I put it to the Minister that there has been a drastic reduction in the numbers involved in the timber processing sector. I would appreciate it if I could have those figures specifically. There were four such industries two of which have now closed down. Could I have the specific figures sought in my question?

The heading is "Wood and Furniture" which are part and parcel of the processing of timber. That is the heading we normally refer to in a case like this. I have no other heading to refer to in the Statistics Office in this regard.