It is now agreed that the south, east, and perhaps the north of Ireland will benefit substantially as far as bills for domestic and industrial use of natural gas are concerned, and that the west, according to the Minister, will not benefit from this national natural resource. Would the Minister agree that, consequently, the west is at a promotional disadvantage because of his decision?

We must be realistic about this matter. The two major population centres are Dublin and Cork and it is simply economical and, indeed, technically possible to bring a supply of natural gas to these major centres because they have existing gas utilities there. The logic of the development of a gas grid for the country must take into account the existence of such gas utilities. It may, in fact, be uneconomic and not feasible to bring natural gas as far west as I would like. It would also be dependent on future gas finds either in the south or off the west coast. This is something which is down the line. We must be realistic.

The Minister recognises that there is an imbalance in the situation as far as natural gas is concerned. Would he then be agreeable to recommending a preferential price structure for other sources of energy until such time as there is a find of natural gas off the west coast?

That is a different question.

Would the Minister consider that to be a reasonable request?

In fairness, this is a very complex issue. Would the Deputy be more specific in his wishes and put down a question in that regard. I will be happy to answer that.

That question must be taken. It appears in national advertisements that there will be considerable reductions in the price of gas to domestic and industrial users in these areas. Consequently, the people in one region of this country——

A question, please, Deputy.

——are disadvantaged. I am asking the Minister to rectify that imbalance and to indicate if the Government will consider bringing in preferential price structures for other sources of energy to do away with that imbalance? It is a "yes" or "no" situation. Are the Government going to discriminate against one section of the community? What is the Minister's attitude in that regard?

This series of questions is in connection with the extension of natural gas to named towns.

Question No. 7 is not that.

Most of these questions are.

I have asked the Minister specifically if the Government will take measures to minimise the disadvantage to people in one region. All I am asking the Minister to do is to satisfy those people who are disadvantaged in this country because of the distribution of this natural resource. Will the Minister rectify the position; "yes" or "no"?

The answer to that question is "no", it would not be feasible for me to do so.

I take it from the Minister's reply that he is positively stating that his Government will discriminate against a region of this country?

That is argument. Deputy Foley has been offering.

I am not aware that the last Government, of which Deputy Flynn was a Member, made any such decision.

We cannot have argument. Deputy Foley has been offering for some time.