asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a German factory, Kingdom Tubes Limited, Tralee, County Kerry, which was officially opened last August have laid off their employees with the exception of a few; and that all the men spent from one and a half to two years at the parent factory at Olpe, Westphalia, Germany, to complete their course of training for the Tralee factory; and, if so, if any requests have been made to his Department by the management of the factory to have the ten per cent. duty on their products sold on the home market lifted so that they could re-employ the men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tralee Factory Workers.
20.
I am aware that Kingdom Tubes Ltd. has found it necessary to lay off some of its workers. I understand that this is due mainly to a reduction in production arising from lack of export orders.
This company which was established mainly for the production of goods for export has received facilities for the importation of raw materials free of all duty for this purpose. In so far as raw materials liable to duty required for the home trade are concerned, the duty of 10 per cent. referred to by the Deputy is payable, in accordance with the provisions of the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreement of 1938, on raw materials which are obtainable in Britain but are purchased elsewhere.