asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the present position with regard to the problem of pyramiding of protection; whether the advisory committee established to deal with this problem after repeated representations by the Committee on Industrial Organisation and the National Industrial Economic Council over a period of years has yet reported; if it has, what have been its recommendations; and what action has been taken with regard to these recommendations.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Protection.
82.
A committee was set up in March, 1968 to examine, when requested by me, the problems arising for an industry in a situation of falling tariffs where the rates of tariff on the finished product and raw materials appear not to be in correct relationship and to make recommendations to me on the courses of action calculated to provide the best solution having regard to all the interests involved.
Four cases—all in the textile field— were referred to the committee and reports have been received, the most recent one within the last two weeks. One of the principal recommendations made in the first three reports could not be acted upon, without the agreement of the British authorities, as it represented a departure from the terms of the Anglo/Irish Free Trade Area Agreement. Protracted negotiations have taken place with the British authorities but efforts to secure acceptance of the Irish proposals have not so far been successful and I am considering what further action should be taken.
As the committee's reports are lengthy and deal with four separate industries it would not be possible within the scope of an answer to a Parliamentary question, to summarise the recommendations made and the reasons for these recommendations.
Would the Minister consider publishing the reports because I feel it is in the public interest to know what recommendations were made so that we can judge eventually the results of the recommendations made?
The reports have been circulated fairly widely to the interests concerned. I have some reason for not wanting them to be published generally but I would be quite prepared to make copies available to the Deputy or to any other Deputy who wants them if they indicate that to me.
I accept that.
Does the Deputy want a copy?
Yes, I do.
Before proceeding further, may I remind the House that we have still over 60 questions? Some Deputies have had questions down for over two weeks awaiting answers and in order to facilitate these Deputies the Chair will have to restrict the number of supplementary questions from now on.