§ MR. BOLANDTo ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture 58 (Ireland) whether his attention has been called to the statement made, in the lately issued Report on Irish imports and exports for 1906, that until import and export Returns are available which specify the nature, weight, and value of goods, any figures put forward with regard to the import and export value of manufactured articles can only be regarded as approximate in character; and can he state what steps he proposes to take in order to secure real accuracy.
(Answered by Mr. T. W. Russell) The Department are aware of the statement referred to and are fully alive to the disadvantages under which their reports on exports and imports are compiled, but legislation is needed to enable the Department to obtain adequate Returns. This matter is at present under consideration.