andMr. Brosnan asked the Taoiseach the total imports of steel in each of the years 1973, 1974 and 1975 to date; and the value of such imports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Steel Imports.
1.
Total imports of iron and steel in each of the years 1973, 1974 and in the periods January-September, 1974 and 1975 are as follows:
|
Quantity (Metric Tons) |
Value (£000) |
|
|
1973 |
425,849 |
45,076 |
|
1974 |
388,733 |
64,306 |
|
January-September, 1974 |
317,918 |
50,896 |
|
January-September, 1975 |
182,351 |
37,278 |
As the import classification list does not in all cases distinguish between iron and steel the total imports of both iron and steel are shown in the reply.
In view of the size of these imports, the large sums of money involved and the tonnage concerned in all those years, and in view of the fact that our only steel works are presently almost halving their work force, would the Parliamentary Secretary bring these figures to the attention of the Government as a matter of urgency, to look at ways and means of reducing those imports and diverting the business to Irish Steel and so try to preserve the jobs——
The Deputy is entering into the realm of policy which is a matter for another Minister.
I am not responsible for that but I will bring it to the Minister's attention. The Deputy will observe from the reply that the imports of steel for the first nine months of this year were less than half what they were for the 12 months in 1973 and also less than half the figure for the 12 months of 1974. In other words, these figures suggest that the import demand has fallen off fairly sharply.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that the reason for this reduction is the recession which has taken place in building, as recorded in today's newspapers?
Irish Steel could not supply what was wanted.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 2 postponed.