asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of new and unused turf-cutting machines sold as scrap by Bord na Móna since 1950, indicating (a) the names of the purchasers, (b) the prices paid, and (c) the losses incurred by the Exchequer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Machines as Scrap.
I have been informed by Bord na Móna that 31 new and unused turf-cutting machines were sold as scrap since 1950. Sale took place in the year 1953. These machines as well as some used equipment were surplus to the requirements of the board and were advertised for sale. It was found that they could only be sold as scrap and the price realised for the 31 machines was £904 13s. 6d. The purchasers were the Hammond Lane Foundry Company, Limited, Dublin. The machines were purchased at a cost of £55,366 and were, therefore, sold at a loss of £54,461 6s. 6d.