asked the Taoiseach (a) the amount and (b) the value of (i) apples (ii) potatoes and (iii) vegetables imported in 1987.

I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the required information.

Following is the statement:

Imports of Apples, Potatoes and Vegetables in 1987

1. Potatoes include fresh, chilled, frozen, dried or dehydrated potatoes and potato flour, meal and flakes.

2. In general it should be noted that commodity detail from external trade statistics does not include: (a) transactions (non-dutiable) of less than £100 each for 1985 and 1986 and £200 for 1987; (b) trade by firms operating in Shannon Free Airport; and (c) postal packages not covered in customs entries.