asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the causes of the delay in publishing the Trade Statistics for the months of March, April and May, 1947.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Statistics.
The cause of the delay in the publication of the monthly statistics was given in reply to a similar question on 25th February last. Since then there has been a gradual shortening of the time lag between the month to which the statistics refer and the date of publication. Every effort is being made to bring the publication upto-date.
Is the Minister aware that we are still without the returns for July and August and will he say what steps are being taken to put these returns into our hands at the earliest possible moment?
Every possible step is being taken.
Has the Minister addressed himself to what is being done with the banks and their arrears? Further, does the Minister realise how seriously interested we are in keeping a check on the import and export situation and that we have had no information of any kind with regard to the matter since the end of June? When will the July and August returns be published?
I cannot say when these publications will be ready. No doubt the Deputy is aware of the extraordinary difficulties which exist at the present time in regard to printing.
I certainly do not appreciate any reasons so extraordinary that these vital returns should not be issued. An enormous amount of printing is being done at the present time in respect of which these items could at least have priority.