asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will give an estimate of State expenditure by all Government Department and State agencies on imported goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - State Expenditure on Imported Goods.
615.
Certain information is obtained in regard to contracts placed abroad by Departments and State agencies solely to assist in evaluating whether it would be feasible to have the products concerned manufactured on a competitive basis in Ireland.
I would emphasise that not all contracts are taken into account so that the information I have cannot be regarded as fully comprehensive. However, the total value of contracts on which I have information was approximately £21 million in 1982.