asked the Taoiseach the amount of our exports to, and imports from, Iran; the type of goods involved and the percentage of our total oil imports supplied from Iran.

For the year 1978 imports from Iran were valued at £10.8 million and exports at £15.6 million. Corresponding figures for the year 1977 were £30.5 million and £11.4 million respectively.

With the permission of the LeasCeann Comhairle I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement showing particulars of trade with Iran in 1977 and 1978.

Crude oil imports from Iran accounted for about 23 per cent of the total value of imports of crude oil in 1977 and about 9 per cent in 1978.

Following is the statement:

(a) Imports from Iran £000

(b) Exports to Iran £000

Is it the situation that imports of oil from Iran are virtually being phased out?

I could not comment on whether or not they are being phased out. I can give the statistical facts.

This is only a statistical question.

In 1976 the importation of crude oil from Iran was 45 per cent, in 1977 it was 23 per cent, in 1978, 9 per cent and I understand that this year it will be about the same order, maybe a little above the 9 per cent.