Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Apr 1933

Vol. 46 No. 17

Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Factory Statistics.

General Mulcahy

addressed the following questions to the Minister for Industry and Commerce:—

If he will state the owners or the names and the town or other district of location of each of the eight factories for concrete products stated by him in his statement of the 13th January last to have been opened since March, 1932.

If he will state the owners or the names and the town or other district of location of each of the four new factories for builders' woodwork stated by him in his statement of the 13th January last to have been opened since March, 1932.

If he will state the different classes of manufactures for which new factories have been opened since his statement of the 13th January last and the owner and town or other district of location of the additional factories which have been opened in each class since that date.

Mr. Lemass

I propose to reply to Nos. 2, 3, and 4 together. I would refer the Deputy to my reply to similar questions which he addressed to me yesterday.

General Mulcahy

In what way is No. 4 involved in that reply?

Mr. Lemass

I am of opinion that Deputies anxious to procure information as to the industrial position in the Saorstát should await the publication of the information which will be contained in the Directory of Manufacturers so that they will get a complete picture and not a partial picture arising out of the publication of information of this kind.

General Mulcahy

Is the Minister aware that we in this House and the people generally are not only concerned with getting a picture as to the whole position with regard to manufactures in the Free State but we are concerned with seeing what additions to the factories are being made as a result of the industrial policy that is being pursued? Will the Minister say in what way will his new Directory give us information as to increases in manufacturing industries in this country?

Mr. Lemass

I explained to the Deputy that the most substantial development takes the form of additions to existing factories. A reply to his question would give no information on that score at all. Information concerning the location of factories is one part of the picture. Information concerning the output in each industry will be available when the annual census of industrial work is published.

General Mulcahy

Is not the question of location an important part of the matter considering the policy of the Government in the matter of the distribution of industries throughout the country? The Minister said that it was undesirable to give the information asked for, information as to the location, etc., having regard to the interests of the firms concerned and the interests of other firms in the same industry. Will the Minister say in what way the interests, say, of the four factories for builders' woodwork could be affected prejudicially with reference to any others in the industry by letting us know where geographically these four industries are?

Mr. Lemass

I see no objection to giving a reply to a question directed to procuring information as to the location of the new factories. If the Deputy puts down a question seeking information I shall endeavour to get him information on that point.

General Mulcahy

Is the Minister aware that, having put down one already with regard to upholstery, he declined to give the name of the owners, but gave me the location, two in Dublin and one in Navan? I understood from him yesterday that he was declining to give even that information in respect to the questions down on the Paper. I would like to know whether he still declines to do that or will he review his attitude and will he, in respect to the questions put down on the Paper, give us the information as to the location of the new factories?

Mr. Lemass

I will consider what answer can be given to any question the Deputy tables, but I would strongly urge the advisability of waiting until the full report, which will give complete information, will be available.