asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Shannock Mills, Clones, as instructed by his Department, obtained the following quotations for punched spade moulds from two Irish firms: (a) 75/- per cwt. f.o.r. Cork; (b) 56/- per cwt. f.o.r. Cork; and if, in view of the fact that Shannock Mills formerly imported these moulds from England at 36/- per cwt. delivered Dublin, he will indicate the reasons for the comparatively high charge for the Irish product and also the reason for the disparity in the quotations of the two Irish firms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Punched Spade Moulds.
The differences in prices referred to in the Deputy's question have only recently come under my notice, and I am having the matter investigated.
Is the Minister aware that, as a result of the delay in his Department, due to his Department's refusal to allow a consignment of punched spade moulds already at the North Wall to come in free of duty, the Shannock Mills had to close down for a week? Could we get an assurance from the Minister that such a closing down will be obviated in future, but not on the basis of an acceptance of quotations such as those which they had been given by Cork firms, because these are obviously going to put up the cost of digging?
As I have indicated to the Deputy, I am having the matter investigated.