asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Messrs. Ranks (Ireland) Limited propose to close their branch at Shannonvale, Clonakilty, County Cork next month; and, if so, if he will make representations to Messrs Ranks with a view to averting its closure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of County Cork Flour Mill.
19.
As the Deputy is presumably aware, the fall in flour consumption has caused a problem of excess productive capacity in the flour milling industry and has resulted in the closing of a number of mills. In these circumstances, I do not propose making the representations suggested by the Deputy.
Would the Minister not agree that the withdrawal of employment for 25 workers in Shannonvale district is a very serious matter?
I would, yes.
Despite the fact that the Minister agrees with that suggestion, he does not think it worth his while to make representations to Messrs. Ranks Ltd. on the subject matter of this question. Does he think that that is a fair outlook on his part in this matter? Does he think it is a matter that does not concern him at all—that it is not worth his while to make representations to Ranks? Let the Minister answer that part of the supplementary question first.
No. 20.
No, Sir. Will the Minister not agree that, some years ago when it was proposed to close this mill, as a result of intervention by interested parties the mill was allowed to remain open? It was assumed that if the Minister condescended to intervene, possibly he would get these people, who, I understand, are closely associated with him, to keep their mill open at Shannonvale and so keep employment for 25 workers.
I am very concerned about the prospect of the disemployment of some 20 workers in Shannonvale, Clonakilty. The Deputy is also aware that there has been a drop in flour consumption. That has been a feature in all European countries and indeed throughout the world where the standards of living have been increasing. I have certain powers in relation to flour mills to ensure that while in production they mill the quota of flour allocated to them. However, where a mill closes down because it finds operations uneconomic, I think it would be exercising my powers to too considerable an extent to try to require people to remain in uneconomic production.
What about the redundancy you were talking about?
Question No. 20.
This is a very important matter and take it easy. I want an answer to this question. I am entitled to it as a member of the House. Will the Minister indicate the reasons——
I have called Question No. 20.
I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I am not concerned with what the Deputy does in that matter. I have allowed him several supplementaries. I am calling Question No. 20.
I shall raise the subject matter of this on the Adjournment.The Chair must be fair, too.