asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the Cork Flour Mills are now closed as a result of the dumping of foreign flour on the Saorstát market at prices of from 16/- to 20/- per ton—plus low and preferential shipping and port rates— under the production costs of home-milled flour; whether, in view of the urgency of the matter and of the number of hands being disemployed, and of the fact that the consumer is not receiving any benefit from the dumped prices, he will immediately investigate the dumping of foreign flour now taking place and its effects on the home industry, with a view to affording the latter some protection by introducing proposals for legislation at an early date.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - FOREIGN FLOUR.
I have no information that the Cork Flour Mills are at present closed, but understand that Messrs. Hallinan's mills at Midleton have shut down temporarily.
I cannot debate by way of question and answer contentious statements of fact covered by the inquiry now being made by the Tariff Commission into the application of the Flour Millers' Association for an import duty, nor anticipate the report of the Commission by any proposals for legislation.
Is it not a fact that the Tariff Commission have already reported on this?
I have not got it.
I think the Minister for Finance said in this House that it was reported on.
I do not think so.
I said they had concluded the hearing of evidence and were preparing their report.