asked the Minister for Finance to what extent is paper of home manufacture used for Government purposes in the Saorstát.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - HOME MADE PAPER.
LIAM MAC SIOGHAIRD
The total amount expended on paper manufactured in the Saorstát and used either for the public service generally or for the Stamping Department of the Revenue Commissioners was:—1923-24, £3,387 14s. 6d.; 1924-25, £3,711 8s. 3d.; 1925-26, £6,669 18s. 9d. In addition to this total of £13,769 1s. 6d. spent on paper manufactured in the Saorstát a slightly larger amount was spent on paper manufactured elsewhere in Ireland.
Could the Minister give us the total amount of money expended on the purchase of paper?
The total amount expended on paper manufactured outside Ireland was £68,714 19s. 5d.
During the three years?
Yes.
Can the Minister give any reason why it is not possible to use paper manufactured in the Saorstát for all purposes?
If the Deputy wants a detailed answer it would be necessary to give me due notice. It is obvious, however, that all sorts of paper are not manufactured in the Saorstát, and if we did try to use the classes of paper made here for all purposes, it would mean a greatly increased charge.