DEPARTMENTS OF INDUSTRIES AND TRADE AND COMMERCE.
The DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND COMMERCE submitted a joint report from the Departments of Industries and Trade and Commerce.
F. FAHY (Galway South) proposed the adoption of the report.
JOHN O'MAHONY (Fermanagh South) seconded the adoption of the report, and asked for information as to what was being done regarding the establishment of an Import and Export Warehouse.
The DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND COMMERCE said that the matter had been held up owing to the want of money for its establishment. In reply to the Deputy for Cork East he stated that the financing of small industrial Societies could only be undertaken in very exceptional cases. He was sure that the Bank would sympathetically consider such cases as were mentioned. A question by the Deputy for St. James', Dublin, was deferred until the Acting-President was present.
J. MACDONAGH (Tipperary North) asked what had been done in regard to the formation of the Economic Council, and if all the parties concerned were willing to take part in it. It was a very urgent matter. He believed that the restriction of exports would be the most effective means of stabilising labour conditions. The British Ministry of Labour were trying to keep their hold on the country, and had established a new office for the settling of Labour disputes, one which was partial to Labour and against the Employers. The assistance of Labour should be obtained in the restricting of exports and the lowering of prices.
The DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND COMMERCE replied that the question of the establishment of the Economic Council would come on later, when he would ask for a vote towards its expenses.
J. MACGRATH (St. James', Dublin) stated that Labour was ready to move in the direction suggested by the Deputy for Tipperary North.
J.J. WALSH (Cork City) congratulated the Director on the wise decisions he had come to on the matter of Irish industries. All shopkeepers should be notified of those decisions, so that people would not be working in the dark.
M.P. COLIVET (Limerick City) asked if the Department intended to take joint steps with the Department of Local Government regarding the pooling of contracts.
CATHAL BRUGHA (Waterford County) wanted information as regards the activities of the Consuls.
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND COMMERCE stated that the Economic Council could not act if only Labour were a party to its functions. The farmers should also be induced to take part. All parties should come in on equal terms. He was acting jointly with the Local Government Department in the matter of the pooling of contracts, and had been present at meetings of the General Council of County Councils and of the Executive of that body. The Consuls were supplying information regarding markets and looking up opportunities for the sale of Irish goods. They had also a propagandist value. It was probable that the provision of the extra shipping for the United States Service was largely owing to the activity of Mr. Fawsitt. One of the advantages of an Export House would be that it could arrange contracts in such lines as poplin and boots. The manufacturers, in the absence of such contracts, did not feel justified in extending their plant.
M.P. COLIVET (Limerick City) said that the extension of the export trade was one of the prime businesses of the Department.
J. MACBRIDE (Mayo West) stated that it was impossible to do an export trade without having a Warehouse.
The adoption of the Report was put and carried.