asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate the amount of steel scrap exported in each year from 1948 to the present date and whether, in view of the fact that Irish Steel Holdings, Limited, are unable to secure sufficient scrap to enable them to continue expansion of their industry, he will now take steps to prevent further exports of this commodity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Steel Scrap Exports.
For statistical purposes, exports of scrap iron and scrap steel are grouped together and separate figures are not available. The following are the export figures for scrap iron and scrap steel for the years 1948-1951 inclusive:—
|
1948 |
12,780 |
tons |
|
1949 |
10,461 |
,, |
|
1950 |
7,569 |
,, |
|
1951 |
8,082 |
,, |
Generally, the export of iron and steel scrap suitable for the requirements of Irish Steel Holdings, Limited, is prohibited. A substantial portion of the export figures quoted consists of baled steel scrap, etc., which cannot be used by the Haulbowline mills.
The export of scrap steel arising from the break up of vessels acquired for demolition is permitted because of the additional employment thereby given by the shipbreaking firms. In such cases, however, an arrangement exists whereby these concerns dispose of the shipbreaking steel scrap, which is of high quality, to Irish Steel Holdings, Limited, and are permitted in lieu to export an equivalent quantity of inferior steel scrap. It is not proposed to interfere with this concession as, if export facilities were not made available, shipbreaking firms would be unable to tender for vessels for demolition at competitive world prices with a consequent loss of employment and no gain in the supplies to Irish Steel Holdings, Limited.
Did I understand the Minister to state that no steel is exported which is suitable for Irish Steel Holdings, Limited?
Generally that is so. There has been on occasions an arrangement made to exchange certain quantities of steel scrap for necessary finished steel imports, but only occasionally and for limited quantities.
Is it not time that we had a proper check on what is going on as far as scrap is concerned? Why should lead be allowed out of the country when it is £100 per ton?
That is a separate question.
The Deputy can put down that question. There is no scarcity of lead.
No scarcity of lead!