asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) whether all importations of tea are made through Tea Importers, Limited, (b) the names of the directors, (c) who appoints them, (d) for what periods they hold office, and (e) the salary which they receive.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tea Imports.
All commercial importations of tea are made through Tea Importers, Limited.
Tea Importers, Limited, is a private limited company incorporated on the initiative of the Minister for Supplies on the 8th July, 1941, and the articles of association of the company, which were approved by the Minister for Supplies, named the first directors to be: David Coyle, Percy McGrath, John F. Punch and Henry J. Simpson. A fifth director, John M. Wardell, was co-opted on the 27th May, 1947. These five directors still hold office and may continue to do so unless they resign or are compelled to vacate the position for any of the reasons set out in the articles of association, such as illness or bankruptcy. None of the directors has been, or is, in receipt of remuneration from the company.
Could the Minister state if the free importation of tea will be permitted in the near future or not?
I have dealt with that in an answer to a question that I gave yesterday. Perhaps the Deputy would look up the answer I gave.