With your permission, sir, I should like to inform the House that subsequent to the discussion upon the Cement (Customs Duties Undertaking) Bill in the Dáil, a number of proposals were made to me with a bearing on the establishment of the cement industry in the Saorstát. I desire to have time to consider these proposals and, consequently, it is not intended to proceed immediately with the further stages of the Bill. I thought it desirable to give this intimation of that fact in case people might be contemplating expenditure upon sites or machinery in connection with grinding mills in the meantime.
Cement (Customs Duties Undertaking) Bill, 1932.
Can we take it from the Minister's statement that he is considering withdrawing the Bill which he has introduced?
The Deputy cannot take that out of it.
Can I take it that pending further investigation the Minister will not proceed with the further stages of the Bill?
I have indicated exactly what is the position: that following upon the discussion in the Dáil, and the publicity given to the matter by the newspaper reports of the discussion, certain proposals have been made to me, and I think I should have time to consider these proposals before deciding to proceed with the further stages of the Bill.
I take it the Minister, as a result of representations made to him, has decided not to proceed with the further stages of the Bill for the present?
Quite.
Will the Minister give a date for the further consideration of the Bill?
I do not think that the delay need be of very long duration. It will depend, however, on the result of the consideration of the proposals that have been made.
Will it be taken before the Christmas adjournment?
I do not think we could contemplate that. I would be prepared to make a more definite statement, say, this day week.