asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he received a recent request from the chairman of the Tullamore Urban Council to receive a deputation consisting of the Deputies for the area, representatives of the council and others concerning compliance with the terms of the Control of Manufactures Act and matters arising thereunder by Salts (Ireland), Limited, and if he will agree to meet the deputation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salts (Ireland), Limited.
On 7th November I received a letter from the chairman of the Urban District Council, Tullamore, requesting me to receive a deputation consisting of himself, the Deputies for the constituency of Leix-Offaly and representatives of workers employed by Messrs. Salts (Ireland) Limited, Tullamore. This letter, which was in general terms, was concerned solely with the effect on employment at Tullamore of the curtailment of manufacturing operations in Messrs. Salts (Ireland) Limited, spinning mill, resulting from a contraction of orders, and it made no reference to the position of the company in relation to the Control of Manufactures Acts.
I replied on the following day, explaining the steps which had been taken to rectify the position which had arisen in the worsted spinning industry. My reply pointed out that, as there was only one firm at present engaged in this business, any information available to me in regard to it had to be treated as confidential and could not be disclosed. I explained also in my reply that the furthest I could go at any conference of the type suggested would be to give information on the measures which were being taken. I indicated that, if after some time, these measures did not bring about the desired result, I would be prepared to meet representatives of the workers engaged in the industry to hear their suggestions.
I should add that the chairman of the urban district council wrote acknowledging my letter and expressing agreement with its contents.
In view of the fact that the contents of this question have been modified for the purpose of meeting the views of the Ceann Comhairle and the Department, will the Minister, in view of the seriousness of the position and the serious allegations which have been made in this matter to members of the urban council and to four of the five Deputies for the area, now consider the advisability of discussing it with the five Deputies?
I have received no such request and I am not prepared to discuss the affairs of a private concern.
Does the Minister decline to discuss with the five Deputies allegations to the effect that there is an evasion of the terms and intentions of the Control of Manufactures Act? If he does I am reluctantly obliged to give notice that I intend, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to raise this matter on the Adjournment at some later date.
If the Deputy has any information which he thinks I should have I would be glad to receive him, but I am debarred by statute from revealing to anyone the intimate affairs of a private concern.
I am making this request to the Minister and I believe I speak for three of my four colleagues. I had not an opportunity of discussing the matter with the fourth. Surely it is a reasonable request that the five Deputies should have an opportunity of discussing this matter rather than force us to have the matter discussed by way of question on the Adjournment?
The Deputy is not forced to do anything. If he has information which he thinks suggests any irregularity in the affairs of this firm, I think he should submit it. I am not authorised to discuss the affairs of a private company with anyone.
I intend, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to raise this matter on the Adjournment.