asked the Minister for Supplies if he will now reconsider the question of allowing an export licence to Mr. John Sheane, Wicklow, for metal goods of his manufacture, including sack holders, for which he has received orders both from England and the Continent, especially as there is a surplus in stock, and the local demand would be insufficient to keep the firm employed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wicklow Export Licence Application.
Owing to the shortage of raw materials it has been found necessary to prohibit the export of iron and steel goods. This prohibition is of general application and there are no circumstances which would justify the making of an exception in Mr. Sheane's case.
What is this man to do with the surplus he has in stock? He is unable to dispose of them in Éire.
A general prohibition of that kind must be applied in all cases. It is not possible to grant exemptions having regard to the circumstances of individual cases. I have considerable sympathy with Mr. Sheane's enterprise but the prohibition on export, when removed, will have to be removed generally and not for the benefit of one individual.
Mr. Sheane has supplied all the requirements of Éire. He now has a surplus to export and he has a market for it. In view of these circumstances, can the Minister not waive the regulation?
I could not agree. The materials which he is using are in short supply.
They are coming in from Belgium now.
They are not.
I got a load of them yesterday, through Belfast.