asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate the steps taken by him to secure that factories and mills (a) erected or reconstructed by corporations wholly or partly financed by the State; (b) erected or reconstructed out of the proceeds of a guaranteed trade loan; (c) erected or reconstructed by persons or firms enjoying a virtual monopoly because of the operation of the Control of Imports Act, 1934, or equivalent legislation, shall be suitably equipped to enable them to use electricity or other native fuel for the purpose of heating and generating power, and if he will furnish a return showing in respect of all such factories and mills the number erected or reconstructed subsequent to January 1st, 1932, which are so equipped.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Electricity or Native Fuel in New Factories.
I have not considered it desirable to make it a condition that electricity or other native fuel should be used in new industrial establishments. When my plans for the extended use of native fuel are completed, steps will be taken in due course to promote its use, but these steps will be general in character and not confined to new industrial undertakings. I regret that I have not the information asked for by the Deputy in the last part of his question.