asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce (a) whether any comprehensive survey or catalogue has yet been compiled of chemicals known to be essential or important for our agriculture or industries and which are likely to be scarce or unobtainable in times of isolation or emergency; (b) whether any research has been done under Government auspices during the past three years on the problems of manufacturing such chemicals in this country so as to provide against such scarcity or failure of supply, and, if so, if he will give particulars of the work done to date and (c) whether any arrangements have yet been made for the emergency production of such chemicals should such be necessary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Manufacture of Chemicals.
Major de Valera
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.
As regards (b) proposals for the production of sulphate of ammonia and sulphuric acid are under active consideration at present.
As regards (c) this matter has not been overlooked and possible arrangements are being investigated.