asked the Minister for Local Government if he will indicate what proportions of our estimated normal annual requirements for all civilian purposes of (a) gelignite; (b) ammonal; (c) gunpowder, and (d) other explosives are at present actually held in stock and available in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civilian Explosives.
Major de Valera
The stocks of gelignite, blasting powder, detonators, electric detonators and fuse coils used by local authorities are kept replenished quarterly to the full capacity of the local magazines. It is estimated that these stocks represent an average of about 50 per cent. of the total annual requirements. I have no information as to stocks or requirements for other civilian purposes.
Major de Valera
Could the Minister say what body of Minister can give the remainder of the information that the Minister cannot give?
I have no other information except that in respect of local authorities. There are other sources perhaps, but I have no information on them.
Major de Valera
What body controls the importation and distribution of explosives? I want to get all this information about civilian explosives.
I have only such information as relates to the stocks used by local authorities. It is estimated that these stocks represent an average of about 50 per cent. of the total annual requirements.