asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that approximately 250 tons of scrap railway track were exported by C.I.E. on the 24th May last, and that material of this nature is urgently required by Irish Steel Holdings Limited, Haulbowline; and, if so, if he will state why the export prohibition recently referred to by him in relation to such material was not applied in this case, and whether steps will be taken to prevent further such exports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Scrap Railway Tracks.
The export prohibition to which I referred previously related to scrap materials. Except for goods consigned to continental destinations, there was no control on the export of re-usable materials. I have now made an Order which extends the export control to all classes of iron and steel manufactures regardless of destination. Export licences will not be given for materials intended for scrapping.
I understand the tracks to which the Deputy refers were not scrap but re-usable rails. C.I.E. were not the exporters.