asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that shortage of cement is holding up various building and construction works in the Drogheda and Dundalk areas; and if he will state whether and when an improvement in supplies may be expected in this area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cement Shortage.
Mr. Corish
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the building contractor to the Wexford Corporation is unable to procure adequate quantities of cement for the erection of 16 houses in Wexford town; and if he will take steps to ensure that sufficient cement is made available for building by local authorities.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
It has been reported to me that persons in some areas have not been able in the past month or so to procure the quantities of cement they wished to purchase.
It would appear that the total demand for cement at present is in excess of the supply despite the fact that the cement factories are working to their full capacity and delivering to the trade 50 per cent. more cement than in 1946.
The position may become easier during the winter months but I am having consideration given to the arrangements necessary to ensure that the progress of important building projects such as the housing schemes of the local authorities will not be interrupted by difficulties about supplies of cement.
Mr. Corish
At the present time, then, there is no priority for house building by local authorities as regards the supply of cement?
Up to quite recently there were adequate supplies of cement available and there was no need for control. It has now become clear that the demand is higher than it has been at any previous time, and if there is no variation of the situation soon we will have to reinstitute the system of priorities.
Mr. Corish
Will house building be No. 1 priority?
Yes.
Has the Minister considered the possibility of importing cement?
The scarcity of cement in Great Britain is more acute than it is here. There is some possibility of getting occasional quantities from the Continent, but as the price is higher than our own it would complicate matters considerably.
If builders are prepared to import the cement can the Minister say if facilities will be granted to them?
Certainly, provided the cement is not sold higher than the fixed price. A contractor, using it for his own requirements, would not be subject to any difficulty of that kind and would be facilitated.