asked the Taoiseach if the Emergency Scientific Research Bureau has been in continuous session since its establishment; what progress has been made in discovering substitutes for requirements hitherto imported; what has been the cost of the said bureau up to date, and when will a full report of its activities and achievements be laid before the House.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emergency Scientific Research Bureau.
The work of the bureau has continued uninterruptedly since its establishment and numerous meetings have been held. It is not possible within the scope of a reply to a Parliamentary Question to deal adequately with the various activities of the bureau in relation to the discovery of substitutes for materials hitherto imported. A general survey of the work of the bureau was included in the statement which I made in the Dáil on the 17th July last when the Estimate for the bureau was under consideration. If there is any particular aspect of the bureau's activities about which the Deputy desires information I shall be glad to deal with it in reply to a specific question.
The cost of the bureau since its establishment in February, 1941, up to the end of October last was £3,392 3s. 2d. In view of the fact that the work of the bureau comes under review in the Dáil in connection with the annual Estimate when a full statement of its activities is made, it is not proposed to lay a special report on such activities before the House.