asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) the number of tariffs for the protection of Irish industries introduced in each year since 1926, (b) the nature of the industry in respect of which each such tariff was introduced, (c) the date on which such tariff was altered or amended, and (d) the number of persons now employed in the industry in respect of which such tariff was introduced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protected Industries.
To furnish the information requested by the Deputy would involve a special investigation, and I do not consider that the substantial expenditure of time and labour which would be involved in such investigation would be warranted.
The Customs and Excise Tariff published by the Revenue Commissioners contains particulars of the tariffs at present in force, and particulars regarding employment in industry are available in the Annual Census of Industrial Production published by the Central Statistics Office.
Would the Minister not consider that it would be of considerable assistance, in order to determine the questions arising out of our participation or non-participation in the free trade area, to have the information which I seek?
Mr. Lemass
I do not know how the historical review that the Deputy suggests should be made could have any bearing on a consideration of that question. If the Deputy wants specific information concerning the present position in any regard, I shall try to get it for him.