asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the estimate made some years ago by this Department that, if protection were withdrawn in the case of protected industries, aproximately fifty per cent. of those employed in them would become redundant is still valid; if not, what alterations would now be made in the estimate; and if he will state the basis for such alterations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundancy in Industry.
16.
As the Deputy is aware, the Committee on Industrial Organisation was established by the Government to co-ordinate arrangements for a comprehensive survey of the industrial sector, directed towards an examination of the difficulties which might be created for particular industries should this country enter the Common Market, and to formulate positive measures of adjustment and adaptation for these industries. The Committee's survey reports on two industries have been published, and the surveys of a number of other industries have now reached an advanced stage. Until all the surveys are completed, it will not be possible to make a reliable estimate of the possible effect of free trade conditions on industrial employment.
Is it a fact that the survey made some years ago by the Minister's Department expressed the views contained in the Question?
On 5th February, 1957, an opinion was expressed to the former Government and, as the Deputy knows, there was no question of phasing the removal of duties. The question of the urgent necessity for an increased drive for productivity, which has since taken place, was not considered. It did not take account of the fact that there might be a situation in which tariffs would be reduced and in which dumping would be prohibited. Quite a large part of the whole sector of tariff production was designed to prevent severe dumping here.
That survey was prepared for the Free Trade Area discussions. Has a revision been made since?
The Committee on Industrial Organisation are examining it.
Will the Minister say how many surveys have to be made, how many have been issued and when it is anticipated that the entire group of surveys will be made available to interested persons?
I have not an answer to that question.
Will the Minister say if the survey will be completed in 12 months when Ireland will become a member of the European Economic Community? Will it be completed before 1st January, 1964?
The reports are all in an advanced stage.
The Minister has not got that information now?
No.