§ MR. BOLANDI beg to ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, in view of the efforts being made throughout Ireland to develop local manufactures and industries and to open up direct trade relations with foreign countries, he will now consider the advisability of publishing an Irish ex-porters' directory, in which the fullest information shall be given in French, German, Spanish, and English; if so, will he endeavour to secure an extensive circulation of the publication in foreign countries and the Colonies, not merely through the usual official channels, but especially amongst the inhabitants of Irish birth or descent in those countries who have evinced their desire to cooperate with the Irish people in opening up or extending direct trade relations; and whether, in view of the fact that at least two foreign countries, namely, France and Belgium, now publish statistics of their direct trade with Ireland, he will facilitate the accurate collection of such statistics by calling attention, in 868 the proposed publication, to the use by the exporters of the Irish trade mark, whereby an absolute guarantee of origin is given.
§ THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR IRELAND (Mr. T. W. RUSSELL,) Tyrone, S.The Department have already had this matter under consideration, and they are of opinion that it is very desirable to publish a directory of the kind referred to. They are taking steps to ascertain how the project may most usefully be carried out, and in this connection they will fully consider the suggestions contained in the latter part of the Question.