asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether a manufacture licence or licences under the Control of Manufactures Acts has or have been granted in connection with an oil refinery company, and if so, if he will state the conditions, if any, of the grant of such licence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Refinery Company's Licence.
On 31st October, 1933, a new manufacture licence was granted to Munster Simms and Co. (Dublin), Ltd., Alexandra Road, Dublin, to make white spirit, light kerosene and residual kerosene by the distillation of mineral hydrocarbon oil. On 30th August, 1934, a new manufacture licence was granted to Cork Harbour Oil Wharves, Ltd., Haulbow-line, to refine crude petroleum for the manufacture of petrol, kerosene, white spirit, gas oil, lubricants, fuel oil, and other petroleum products, with the exception of asphalt or bitumen. On July 16th, 1936, a new manufacture licence was granted to Irish National Refineries, Ltd., to refine crude petroleum for the manufacture of petrol, kerosene, white spirit, gas and fuel oils, lubricants, asphalt and other petroleum products. Conditions relating to the use of Saorstát materials and the employment of Saorstát nationals were attached to the licences in each of these cases.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, would he say in connection with the issue of the last named licence whether the Minister has any power to ensure that the purchases made by this firm elsewhere are utilised by him for the purpose of making trade agreements with the countries where that raw material is bought? Has the Minister considered that aspect of the matter?
That must be regarded as a separate question.
Will the Minister undertake to answer a question on that matter before the Dáil adjourns this week?
Not necessarily.