asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether a grant or guarantee under the Trade Loans (Guarantee) Acts was given in connection with the new razor-blade factory at Enniscorthy; and, if so, whether he will state what conditions, if any, were attached to the giving of the grant or guarantee; and further whether any of the conditions laid down the rate of wages to be paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Factory Guarantee.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and the second and third parts do not, therefore, arise.
Is the Minister aware that this firm is paying a wage of 7/5 per week, and does he consider that to be a living wage?
I have no information on the subject.
Is the Minister going to make inquiries?
I have no power to regulate rates.
Is the Minister going to allow circumstances like these to continue in industries supposed to have been started for the development of Irish industry under the protection of prohibitive tariffs.
Separate question.
Will the Minister say, in view of the fact that he denies that any grant was given under the Trade Loans (Guarantee) Acts, if he recommended the imposition of a tariff on razor blades in consequence of a discussion with this entrepreneur?
I fail to relate that to the question on the Order Paper.
A very convenient answer.