asked the Minister for Justice if he will state whether any lead has been sold or otherwise disposed of by any prison board or authority or by any institution, person or body under the control of his Department; and, if so, the price per ton at which the same was sold or disposed of.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Lead.
Major de Valera
The only lead sold by the Department of Justice or by any authority under the control of the Department of Justice during the past 12 months was two small lots of scrap lead sold at Portlaoighise and Limerick prisons. These lots were three tons sold at Portlaoighise prison in December, 1950, at a price of £42 10s. Od. per ton, and 2 cwt. sold at Limerick prison in March, 1951 at £50 per ton. The sales were made on tender and unfortunately the fact that the Price of lead was controlled at £40 per ton was not adverted to. Arrangements are being made to refund the excess price obtained.
Major de Valera
So the lead was sold in the black market.
Yes, and, as a matter of fact, it was quite obvious that those who sold it did not know much about the black market or they would not have sold it at that price. They were not experienced; otherwise they would have got a better price than that.