asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has received representations from manufacturers of roofing tiles regarding the serious plight of the industry as a result of the importation of foreign tiles and slates; and if he will state what duty, if any, is charged on such imports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roofing Tiles.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. At present roofing tiles and slates are liable to duty as follows:— (1) Asbestos cement slates: 30 per cent. (full) 20 per cent. (pref); (2) Concrete and clay roofing tiles:5/- the cwt.; (3) Natural slates: the duty of 5/- the cwt. has been suspended since 1948.
Is the Minister aware that employees of tile and slate factories throughout the country have recently been laid off and that these factories are quite capable of supplying the entire national requirements? Would the Minister consider forbidding the importation of these foreign goods?
The Deputy asked me if I had received any representation from manufacturers of roofing tiles and I replied that I had not. If he has any information on the matter or if any representations are to be made I would be glad to receive these representations and to consider them.
Is the Minister aware that men have been laid off at these factories?
That was not the question that the Deputy put down. If he reads his question he will see that.