asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will indicate the volume of imported wood screws from countries in the Far East; and if he will prohibit these imports which are a threat to Irish jobs.
Written Answers. - Wood Screw Imports.
326.
Detailed statistics of imports of the products in question are not compiled by my Department but by the Central Statistics Office.
Arising, however, from representations made in 1982 by one of the Irish firms which manufacture such products, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Trade, Commerce and Tourism, are continuing to keep under review the level of imports from certain Far Eastern countries. The information available indicated that, so far, the level of such imports vis-à-vis home production and exports has not increased to such a degree as would justify the introduction of special restraint measures. It must also be recognised that our obligations as a member of the European Economic Community would require that there should be prior discussion of and agreement to any such measures by the Commission of the European Communities. Any such consultation would primarily be a matter for the Department of Trade, Commerce and Tourism.
If it were to be decided to introduce any restraint measures the implementation of such measures would also be a matter for the Department of Trade, Commerce and Tourism.