asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any ferrous and non-ferrous metals have been stored against the menace of future shortages.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emergency Stores.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any wool has been stored against the menace of future shortages.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether textile materials have been stored against the menace of future shortages.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the nature and quantity of the stocks stored during the year 1950 and down to the most recent date to meet the coming menace of world shortages, and if he will make a statement on the whole subject.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 32 to 35 together.
The Government are fully aware, and have been for some time, of the potential dangers to the Irish economy inherent in the growing world scarcity of certain essential raw materials, and have taken steps to encourage and facilitate the accumulation in this country of reserve stocks of these materials.
As long ago as last September, the Industrial Development Authority, at my request, commenced a survey of the position in essential industries, including those using the materials referred to by the Deputy. They advised manufacturers of the growing difficulties which were likely to be encountered in securing raw materials and urged them in their own interests and in the national interest to lay in at least a six months' stock. The great majority of manufacturers approached signified their willingness to co-operate —some, in fact, had already taken action themselves in anticipation of shortages—but it is too soon yet to say to what extent their stockpiling efforts have been successful. Manufacturers have been asked to keep the authority informed periodically regarding the trend of their stocks.
The authority, for their part, are at present examining in detail the position in regard to each commodity and are keeping a close watch on developments in world markets. I understand that they have already accumulated a considerable amount of information but not quite enough for a complete picture.
I might add that I have accepted recommendations of the authority for a relaxation of quota and tariff restrictions on certain commodities, principally piece goods, in order to assist stockpiling.
Might I ask the Minister when that relaxation with regard to quotas took effect?
Does the Deputy want the exact date?
No. Let me put it this way. It must be of very recent vintage, because up to comparatively recently certain industrialists requiring to stockpile were precluded from doing so because of the operation of quotas and I actually raised it in the House some six months ago.
The quotas were relaxed months back.
I would like a definite answer, as it is not generally known. I do know that industrialists who had applied to bring in certain goods were precluded from doing so because of the operation of the quotas.
The Deputy is asking for certain information by way of supplementary question. The information will be conveyed to the Deputy.
All right. Thanks.