asked the Taoiseach if he will furnish details of the 1979 trade figures between Ireland and South Africa giving a break-down of the main commodities involved in both imports and exports.

8.

asked the Taoiseach if he will give a detailed breakdown of the trade between Ireland and the Republic of South Africa; the volume of imports and exports; and the nature, value and the composition of that trade.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together, and to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the information requested by the Deputies.

Following is the statement:

Trade with South Africa and Namibia in the year 1979*

*(1) Available data refer to trade with the Republic of South Africa and with Namibia.

(2) Does not include trade with the Shannon Free Airport area.

Will the Minister of State give the House the bulk figure for imports and exports?

Imports were £12,136,000 while exports were £8,359,000.

Will it be the policy of the Government to discourage an increase in such trade?

That is a separate question.

That is a policy question which should be related to another Minister.

My question was addressed to the Taoiseach.

It is a statistical question nevertheless and it has been answered as such.

For the purpose of the record, will the Minister of State indicate what the import commodities are so that the House can assess whether they can be easily substituted by sources from other countries?

When the Deputy has read my statistical reply he may wish to table a question in relation to this matter. I will then give him all the information available.

I would prefer to hear the Minister's magnificent voice in the Chamber giving this information.

I do not think I could satisfy the Deputy.

On a point of order, I seek permission to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

I look forward to discussing the matter then.

I will communicate with the Deputy.