asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is continuing to allow importation of high alumina concrete.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cement Imports.
12.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to high alumina cement.
The importation of cement is not subject to statutory control.
The Minister I am sure is aware of the dangers which have been apprehended in regard to the use of this. If there is found to be a basis for this would the Minister consider taking power to control statutorily the import of cement?
I am not certain that controlling the importation is the appropriate method of dealing with the problem. The Deputy will be aware that this product which has had very unsatisfactory results following its use in Britain recently which gave rise to publicity is, in fact, the product of choice in certain other contexts. It is used for the lining of furnaces where temperatures are too high for conventional materials and it has certain uses in road surfacing. It does have a place. What is happening now is that people are working out the appropriate context and the appropriate conditions for its use. I think the correct way to deal with this is by making those conditions rigid enough without prohibiting its import.
If such criteria were worked out would the Minister regard their implementation as a matter for himself or for some other Minister?
Quite honestly, I cannot answer that. It may be a matter for another Department rather than my Department. I am not certain.