asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the value of asbestos slate imports in each of the last three years and whether he is aware that many of these slates are used on houses on which a subsidy is paid and if, in view of the fact that Irish roofing materials are now available in sufficient quantity, he will take steps to apply again the regulation that all home-produced materials available are used on subsidised houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Asbestos Slate Imports.
I have no information regarding the value of imports of asbestos cement tiles or slates during the past three years. I am not aware that imported slates or tiles are being used to any appreciable extent in the roofing of houses for which subsidy or grants are being claimed under the Housing Acts. Local authorities and applicants for housing grants have been specifically informed that the payment of subsidy and of grants is conditional in every case on materials and appliances produced or manufactured in Ireland being used as far as possible in the erection or reconstruction of houses. If it is brought to my Department's notice in any particular instance that this is not being done, I will be pleased to have the matter investigated.