(Limerick West), Mr. Kitt and Mr. H. Byrne asked the Taoiseach the total value of cheap fillers e.g. tapioca for animal feed, being imported from non-EEC countries.

(Dún Laoghaire): Animal feed ‘fillers’ are not separately distinguished in the import statistics. However, it is assumed that the Deputy is referring to cereal substitutes and I propose to circulate a statement showing the relevant information, in so far as it is available, for the year 1982.

Following is the statement:

Imports of cereal substitutes form non-EEC countries

Has the Minister any proposals for the prevention of the importation of such feeds in favour of native barley?

I repeat that these are statistical questions. This Minister is responsible for statistics but not for policy or action to remedy statistics.