asked the Taoiseach the value and volume of honey imports which came into the country in the years 1981, 1982 and 1983.

(Dún Laoghaire): I propose to circulate a statement giving the required information.

Following is the statement:

Imports of Honey in the years 1981, 1982 and 1983

Note: Totals may not add due to rounding of data.

I would ask the Minister of State to give the figures.

The Minister has said that he is circulating a tabular statement. That is that.

If the Minister does not give the information now, I will be precluded from asking any supplementary questions.

Yes.

(Dún Laoghaire): I can give the figures.

This goes for Ministers as well as Deputies: a question should be answered either orally or as a tabular statement.

(Dún Laoghaire): The figures are for 1981, 950 tonnes, £1,057,000; in 1982, 856 tonnes, £988,000 and 1983, 784 tonnes, £928,000.

No matter how much honey is imported it will not sweeten the parties opposite.

Has the Taoiseach any plans to ensure that this honey will be produced at home instead of having to import it?

That is a question for another Minister. The question to this Minister is purely statistical.