asked the Taoiseach the value of exports by this country to Libya in each of the years 1983, 1984 and 1985; the cost of Libyan imports to this country in each of the aforesaid years; and if he will state in respect of each of the said years to what items the imports and exports related.

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

Following is the statement:

Table 1—Exports (f.o.b.) to Libya £000

*Latest period for which detailed breakdown is available. The total value of exports to Libya in 1985 based on a provisional figure is £26.8 million.

Table 2—Imports (c.i.f.) from Libya £000.

*Provisional estimate.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, and with reference to the third part of the question, will the Minister confirm that the import——

I should like to tell the Deputy that I have ruled quite strictly that supplementary questions are not appropriate on questions which are answered by a written statement and I cannot depart from that. I am sorry.

My understanding of the Chair's ruling was that supplementary questions were not appropriate where a statistical reply was involved. The information sought in the last part of my question does not come by way of statistics.

My ruling covers written statements. It took me some time to get that accepted and I do not intend to depart from it.

As a matter of principle, I raise the issue and point out that it will create a situation in the House whereby a Minister could give a written reply to every question put to him and Members would not be able to put a supplementary question to him or her.

Chair, Chair.

I cannot allow Deputy Shatter to argue with the Chair.

The question I want to ask is not a matter of controversy but in relation to the general principle.

There is a matter of principle involved here and I have ruled on it very strictly.

The Deputy would not understand that.

Am I right in understanding that in future if any Minister of any Government of any description gives a written answer to a question a Member cannot ask a supplementary question?

The Deputy may come to my room and discuss the matter with me or have a new Standing Order written into the rule book.

It is a quite inappropriate way to deal with questions.

The Deputy should not argue with the Chair.