asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the failure of tiles as roofing for cottages he is in a position to take any steps to have the slate quarries now closed down reopened with a view to enabling local authorities to procure durable roofing slates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reopening of Slate Quarries.
I am not aware that tiles generally have proved a failure as roofing for cottages. The reopening of slate quarries is a matter primarily for private enterprise and I shall be prepared to assist in every way within the limit of my powers any party proposing to engage in such operations.
Is the Minister not aware that the supply of Irish slates is totally inadequate, and that not a firm of any size will take an order for 15 or 20 houses and guarantee to supply the requirements? What is happening to the efforts to produce slates in this country, where, we are informed there are such large slate deposits?