asked the Minister for Finance whether he will make dollar exchange available to licensed explosives dealers for the purchase of gelignite from suppliers in the United States of American in order to accommodate local authorities whose work is held up for want of this explosive.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Gelignite.
The reply is in the negative as I am satisfied, after consultation with the Minister for Industry and Commerce, that adequate supplies of explosives will be available without expenditure of dollars.
Is the Minister aware that at the present time it is almost impossible to get supplies of explosives in Great Britain, and that certain important public works in County Monaghan are held up for want of them? If an early arrival is not to be anticipated will the Minister, for a limited period, at least, permit the issue of dollars for the purchase of such stocks, to be dispatched under the direction of the Minister, which would permit the local authorities to carry on with works now uncompleted?
If any great difficulty arises the matter will be reconsidered. The situation is that as against 80 tons last year we got 230 tons this year, and that should meet the total requirements of the country.
In the case of the particular local difficulty I experienced, it might be as well for the parties to consult the Minister for Industry and Commerce and, in the event of the Minister recognising their special needs, the Minister for Finance might also consider it.
We will consider it.