asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of licences issued, and to whom they have been issued, for the importation of shovels and spades during the past year; whether before any further licences are granted to importers, he will have their attention drawn to the manufacture of these goods at Clonskea, County Dublin, where a number of Irish workmen are engaged in efforts to revive that industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Licences for Importation of Shovels.
I have not recommended the issue of any licences for the importation free of Budget duty of spades and shovels during the past year; but two licences were issued in October and December last providing for the importation free of Emergency Duty of shovels required by an important industrial undertaking. These shovels were of a type not made in this country. A number of applications were received in my Department for such licences and in all other cases the applicants were referred to the Saorstát firms which are making these articles.