asked the Taoiseach the percentage of (a) home produced and (b) imported flour used in the production of bread and confectionery in this country.

Information from the annual census of industrial production shows that the proportion of the value of all materials used in the bread, biscuit and flour confectionery industry which was home produced was 82 per cent in 1985 and 84 per cent in 1986.

The distinction between home produced and imported is not made at the level of individual materials used. The precise information requested by the Deputy is, therefore, not available.

Is it possible that the information I requested could be made available as it is a major contributing factor in the present bread war where cheap imported flour is being used to oust bakers using Irish flour?

The Deputy is adverting to the subject matter.

Will the figures I am seeking be provided and, if so, when?

As I indicated, no distinction is made in the figures in regard to the materials. The question related to total materials used and this showed that the portion of all home produced materials was 82 per cent in 1985 and 84 per cent in 1986. There is no additional information available.