asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that every effort has been made in vain to find a purchaser for the surplus "Morris" crane owned by the Tralee and Fenit Harbour Commissioners, which has proved unsuitable for their work; and, if so, if he will reconsider his previous decision in the matter and issue an export licence to enable the crane to be sold at a satisfactory price to a buyer outside this country, thus helping to relieve the critical financial condition of the harbour commissioners.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Licence for Crane.
I am aware that unsuccessful efforts have been made by the Tralee and Fenit Pier and Harbour Commissioners to sell in this country the "Morris" crane which has been the subject of export licence applications. In view of the shortage of machinery and equipment of all kinds, it has been decided, as a matter of general policy, not to grant export licences for any serviceable equipment and I do not consider it desirable to make an exception from this general rule in individual cases.