asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when he intends to introduce the legislation in regard to Irish Steel, Ltd., Haulbowline, stated by him to be in preparation on the 21st October, 1953.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Steel, Ltd.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the amount expended in the erection of the sheet mill by Irish Steel, Ltd., which he stated had received Government approval in August, 1953; whether the erection is now completed, and, if not, the approximate amount required to complete it.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a question on this subject on the 30th October. I can add nothing to that reply at present. It would not in any event be appropriate to enter into figures of the company's expenditure from its own funds.
Can the Minister state if the sheet steel mill has been erected or not?
The sheet mill is not in use, no.
Despite the fact that £250,000 was passed by this House for it in 1953?
The recollection of the Deputy is not quite correct. It was stated at the time that it was the intention to introduce legislation to put the capital position of this company on a more regular basis and that the Government had approved, in principle, of the idea of proceeding with its development in the manufacture of sheet steel. That scheme was not proceeded with.
Does the Minister now consider it wise that the company should import the blank sheets from Britain at an exorbitant price and that the farmers should have to pay high prices for corrugated iron?
I told the Deputy last week that the possibilities of extending the operations of this company are under consideration and I have nothing further to add to that at present.