asked the Taoiseach the value of processed and unprocessed vegetables and potatoes imported and exported in 1980.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the information requested by the Deputy.

Following is the statement:

Value of Imports and Exports of vegetables and potatoes in 1980.

As there are only two figures involved I would have thought the Minister of State could have answered without circulating a statement in the report. Could I have an answer?

It is circulated, of course.

I could quite understand a circulated statement if the answer were extensive, but it is not.

Imports of processed potatoes in 1979 were £4,032,000 and exports £479,000. In 1980 imports were £6,088,000 and exports £473,000.

No wonder he was not inclined to give it.