asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is prepared to recommend to the Electricity Supply Board that consideration be given to the building of a suitable block for their offices in order that buildings of the type at present occupied by the Board may be made available for conversion into much needed flats.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - E.S.B. Offices.
I am not prepared to recommend to the Electricity Supply Board that they proceed as suggested by the Deputy.
Is the Minister not aware that every institution, and every industrial undertaking, was asked during the emergency to present to his Department post-war schemes, in order that priority would be given them for materials, and that such work would also give a certain amount of employment? Surely this is one of the undertakings that could reasonably be expected to provide suitable headquarters for themselves?
As far as building is concerned, all the materials available are being used in other projects. As far as the E.S.B. is concerned, I think the energy of the board's staff can most usefully be employed on the completion of the new generating scheme on which they are engaged.
Is the Minister aware that undertakings which will arise from the sums of money granted by this House for further development, will ultimately result in the necessity of providing headquarters quite different from those now located in private dwellings?
That is probable.