asked the Taoiseach the quantity and value of cement imports in 1980 and 1981.

(Dún Laoghaire): Imports of cement, excluding clinker, amounted to 97,300 tonnes, value £4.4 million in 1980 and 52,600 tonnes, value £3.1 million in 1981.

The Minister looked as if he would proceed further. Perhaps he was going to give the reason why there was a decrease in the 1981 figure.

He probably thought of the Chair's ruling and desisted.

Will he finish the sentence? He is most helpful.

(Dún Laoghaire): I have already given the information.

I take it that there will be a substantial increase in the amount of imports in 1983 to accommodate the 30,000 new house starts which the Minister for the Environment has promised.