asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate the quantity and value of scrap metals exported since 13th June, 1951, and whether he will consider prohibiting further exports in view of the action taken in Great Britain regarding the export of iron, steel and metal sheeting.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Scrap Metal Exports.
Information as to the quantity and value of scrap metals exported since 13th June is not yet available. The export of iron and steel scrap arising in the country has been prohibited for a considerable time. The export of non-ferrous scrap metals is generally permitted only where there is a suitable return in new metals for the scrap exported. The export of scrap metals arising from the break-up of vessels acquired for demolition is, however, permitted because of the additional employment thereby given by the ship-breaking firms.
Would the Minister be prepared to negotiate with Great Britain in order to have certain raw materials made available to this country, in lieu of metals which are being exported?
That is the practice.
Has the Minister now put a stop to the export of scrap aluminium in view of the fact that we are now in a position to make aluminium ingots of such scrap in this country?
That is a separate question—slightly controversial.
But a very relevant question.