asked the Minister for Supplies whether there is in force an order prohibiting the export of scrap mental except under licence; whether a licence was issued to the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company authorising the export by them of the rails which have been lifted or are in the course of being lifted from the Burtonport and Letterkenny railway line; and, if not, whether he has taken any steps to prohibit such export of rails as scrap iron in view of the fact that the company in question are merely lessees of the line mentioned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Scrap Metal.
The Emergency Powers (Control of Export) Order, 1940, and the Scrap Iron (Control of Export) Act, 1938, prohibit the export, save under licence, of scrap metal, including scrap iron. A licence under the Emergency Powers (Control of Export) Order was granted to the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company for the export of a quantity of steel rails to be recovered from the Burtonport and Letterkenny extension of the company's line. Inquiries made at the time of the application for the licence revealed no internal demand for these rails. This licence has recently been temporarily revoked pending further consideration of our internal requirements for steel rails in the light of information since received in my Department.
The grant or refusal of a licence to export is not affected by the consideration mentioned in the last part of the Deputy's question.
Is it true that very substantial quantities of scrap iron have been exported from a Haulbowline factory during the last six months?
I would require notice of that question, but I think it is very improbable.
It is not; it is true.
It is a separate question.
I can assure the Deputy that no scrap iron was exported for which use could be found here.
Mr. Dillon rose.
The matter is not in order.
We will get at it again.