asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the difficulties experienced by builders in getting adequate supplies of sheet lead; if he is aware that a cargo of lead was recently exported from this country; and if, in view of the shortage of sheet lead supplies, he will prohibit the export of lead.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sheet Lead Supplies.
The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The export of lead is controlled under the Emergency Powers (Control of Export) Order, 1940. The consigment of lead to which the Deputy refers was scrap battery lead and sulphate of lead which cannot be used or reclaimed for use in this country. An arrangement has been made to obtain lead suitable for use here in exchange for the scrap exported.