asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he will state whether any preference was given to Saorstát firms who recently tendered for the supplies of equipment for the new butter testing station in Dublin; and whether he will also state the value of the orders for this equipment placed with the firms outside the Saorstát, and the reason why it was necessary to place these orders with outside firms.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - BUTTER TESTING STATION (DUBLIN).
In connection with the equipment of the Butter Testing Station tenders were invited from nine Saorstát firms and seven firms outside the Saorstát on a competitive basis, inclusive of all Customs and delivery charges. The glassware and appliances required are produced entirely outside the Saorstát. It is an entirely distributing centre. In the case of chemicals, some of which are produced in the Saorstát, all the orders went to Saorstát firms. No preference was given to Saorstát suppliers. The value of the orders placed with outside firms, whose quotations were lower than Saorstát firms, was £645, while orders to Saorstát firms amounted to £1,751. In the case of the orders amounting to £645, the lowest quotation from a Saorstát firm was £685, and the quality of the glassware offered was not up to the standard required and quoted for by the other firms.
Do I understand the Minister to say that he is not prepared to give any preference to local firms?
Mr. HOGAN
I want the Deputy to realise that it is not a question of production but of distribution of goods. The goods are all produced outside the Saorstát. When it is a question of distribution I do not think that the question of preference arises to the same extent as in the case of production. If it was a matter of production preference might be given. When it is distribution the lowest tender should be accepted. I do not think we would be justified in refusing to accept a tender of an outside firm especially in view of the fact that three-fourths of the goods were purchased from Saorstát firms.
In connection with another Department of the Government an answer was given within the last few weeks in which it was pointed out by the Departmental Secretary that a preference of up to ten per cent. was given in connection with goods not manufactured in the Saorstát. If one Department gives a preference to that extent surely it should be a question of policy that should influence other Departments. It is not a question of the manufacture of goods in the Saorstát.
They are supplied through agents in the Saorstát.
Mr. HOGAN
The goods, whether they are supplied in the Saorstát or whether they are supplied outside the Saorstát were not manufactured in the Saorstát. It is a mere question of distribution.
I did not allege they were. The fact is that they are supplied through agents in the Saorstát and we have to pay the tax.