asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the proprietors of MacDonnell's Margarine Factory, Waterford, proposed to close the factory, but on representations being made on behalf of the workers and public of Waterford, agreed to keep the factory running until the end of the year, pending the decision of the Tariff Commission on their application for an import duty on margarine; whether in view of the announcement that the Commission has not yet been formed, he can make any statement which will encourage the proprietors to continue the factory.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WATERFORD MARGARINE FACTORY.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
If the proprietors of this factory are unwilling to continue it unless an import duty is imposed on margarine I am unable to make any statement which would either encourage or discourage them. My Department has undertaken to do its best to secure an early hearing before the Tariff Commission of the application to be made by the margarine industry but a decision on that application rests, not with the Tariff Commission as assumed in the question, but with the Dáil, and I am unable to make any forecast of the Dáil's decision.
Can the Minister tell us how soon this Tariff Commission— if there is to be a Tariff Commission— is likely to be set up, and how soon will it get to work?
As to how soon it will get to work, I cannot give any forecast. As to the setting up of the Tariff Commission, the Minister for Finance stated here the other day that the delay was due to the fact that I had not been able to make any appointment. I have recently been enabled to make that appointment, and the Tariff Commission, consisting of Mr. J.J. McElligott, Department of Finance; Dr. Hinchcliff, of the Department of Agriculture; and Professor Whelehan, Controller of the Stationery Office, will be in a position to make arrangements with regard to its sittings and procedure immediately.
Is there any likelihood that any of the reports of the Tariff Commission will be submitted to the Executive Council before the end of the financial year?
Decidedly, I should say. The facts with regard to the margarine industry are straightforward, and they can soon be dealt with.
Perhaps the Minister will give some further encouragement. Are they likely to be reported on before the end of the calendar year?
It is possible.