asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the Benduff and Madranna Slate Quarries, Co. Cork, are being closed down through lack of orders, involving the dismissal of fifty-two men; whether large quantities of Welsh slate are being imported into Cork, and whether he can take any steps to prevent the closing down of the quarries, with its consequent hardship.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CO. CORK SLATE QUARRIES.
PADRAIG O hOGAIN (for Tadhg O Murchadha)
I am aware that these quarries may close down for lack of orders, and have been in communication with other Government Departments in a position to encourage the use of Saorstát materials in building schemes. If large quanties of slates are being imported there would appear to be a market of which the Benduff and Madranna Company should be able to secure a considerable proportion, provided the price and quality of their slates are satisfactory.
Will the Minister inform the Dáil whether it is the intention of the Government to see that Irish slates are used under this new Housing Act, provided the slates are substantially as good and as cheap as those imported?
I think the second portion of my answer relative to the Benduff and Madranna quarries will apply to all quarries, that is that they should be able to secure a considerable proportion of the contract work, provided the prices and quality of the slates are satisfactory.
Would the Minister say that they ought to get the contract provided the slates are equal in quality and price?
That is a question for the Minister for Local Government.
Is the Minister satisfied that a proportion is sufficient to be given to Irish quarries provided the quality and price are equal? His answer was that they would get a proportion, provided quality and price were equal. I want to know if only a proportion will be given to Irish quarries?
My answer was hypothetical. If large quantities of slates are being imported there would appear to be a market for the local slates, and the proportion would vary according to their output, price and quality.
Are hypothetical answers as much in order as hypothetical questions?