The purpose of this Bill is to continue the Control of Exports (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1956, which is due to expire on 19th February next. Under that Act, the Minister for Industry and Commerce has power to prohibit or to regulate the exportation of industrial goods. Orders made under the Act have a life of 12 months and are subject to the usual annulment procedure when laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
The time has not apparently yet come when export controls can be dispensed with. There are at present a number of goods subject to export control under various Orders made from time to time. Accordingly, it is necessary to continue these powers for a further period. That need arises (1) from the necessity to conserve for the benefit of home industry, certain raw materials which continue to be or which may become in short supply; (2) to ensure that strategic materials are not exported from here to Iron Curtain countries, or that this country is not used as a base through which such materials might be sent to these countries from other countries, and thirdly, to have available a means for dealing with the position in the event of any international situation arising which might result in this country being drained of essential materials before corrective legislation could be enacted. Accordingly, I request the Seanad's consent to the enactment of this measure.
