asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the Associated Portland Cement Company of Gravesend. Kent, England, have not yet re-opened the Drinagh Cement Works, notwithstanding the fact that their stores are absolutely empty, and that there is a great demand for the cement manufactured there.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - DRINAGH CEMENT WORKS.
replying forMinister for Industry and Commerce: The cause assigned by the Company for the recent closing down of the Drinagh Cement Works was the accumulation of stocks. The Ministry have taken action in various directions to secure a market for cement on hands, and, as stated in the question, these stocks are now exhausted.
The Government Contracts Committee have decided to specify Drinagh Cement for Government Contracts. It is also specified in contracts of Local Authorities. In the circumstances it is anticipated that the full output of the works can be utilised. Further representations are being made to the Company in the matter.
I would like to ask if the Minister for Industry and Commerce is satisfied with the answer from those people, inasmuch as I am in a position to say that these people are importing cement into Wexford from England? Is he aware that the prevailing impression down in Wexford is that these people bought those works with the intention of closing them down in the interest of a syndicate? It certainly looks like that!
That does not arise.
One point has been covered by Deputy Corish, but my point would be would the Minister enquire whether the cement sold as being made at Drinagh is so made or not?
There will have to be a separate question for that. I can add nothing to the answer that I got from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
I would like to know if the Minister is aware that although there is cement in the Drinagh works, some time ago, when a Wexford agent made application for it, the Company referred him to the Moneymore works in the Six Counties, where they also have cement works?
I think a separate question should be put down on the that matter.