asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any orders were made under Section 15 of the Control of Manufactures Act, 1934, authorising an officer of his Department to investigate whether anything was being done in any premises or place in contravention of the Act; and, if so, whether any prosecution resulted from such investigations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prosecutions under Control of Manufactures Act.
No Order under Section 15 of the Control of Manufactures Act, 1934, has yet been made. In a number of cases information was required as to the activities of industrial undertakings in relation to which the question of compliance with the Act arose. In the majority of these cases, however, it was found that sufficient information existed in the Department to enable a decision to be taken as to the legality of the operations carried on. In the remaining cases the question of the advisability of having an inspection made under the provisions of Section 145 of the Act is being considered.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any action has been taken in the matter of serving notices requiring information under Section 14 of the Control of Manufactures Act, 1934, and whether there were any prosecutions under that section.
No notice under Section 14 of the Control of Manufactures Act, 1934, has yet been served. A considerable amount of investigation has, however, been carried out. In the majority of the cases investigated it has been found that there has been no infringement of the Act. Several doubtful cases have been examined but in no instance has it been felt that a prosecution could be sustained. There is at present under consideration a further number of cases in which the question of serving notices is being examined.
Will the Minister say whether prosecutions of any kind have been instituted under the Act?
That is a separate question and I am afraid I would require notice.
Will the Minister deny that no prosecution has been taken?
I will say nothing until I have the information.