asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state if the company referred to by him on the Second Stage of the Cement (Customs Duty Undertaking) Bill, 1932, as being prepared to erect grinding mills in the Saorstát has indicated from what country it proposes to import the cement clinker it requires and if such clinker is under the control of any of the cement trusts in England or on the Continent or elsewhere.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports of Cement Clinker.
In the event of an undertaking being given in accordance with Section 1 (1) of the Bill there would be no restriction as to the country from which cement clinker might be imported. I cannot, however, see my way to disclose particulars of the discussions which have taken place between myself and any of the parties who have submitted proposals for the erection of clinker grinding mills.
In asking for particulars to be disclosed I instanced a company to which the Minister specially referred on the Second Reading of the Cement Bill. Can the Minister state where they intend to import the cement from? Is it from a country which is under a trust? Surely that can be answered?
I referred to the fact that to my knowledge one group was prepared to proceed with the erection of such mills if the Bill were passed and the undertaking given.
That is the group referred to?
I do not think I would be at liberty to give at this stage any matter arising out of the discussions which have taken place between myself and representatives of the group.
Does the Minister know of any area from which the cement clinker can be imported, which is not under the control of the trust?
I would require notice of that question.
I will put the question down.