asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that Mr. John P. Swann, of the Dublin Spring and Sheet Metal Works, and Mr. Joseph H. Dixon, solicitor, having been informed by representatives of the Minister's Department that if their projected company for the manufacture of springs for motor and other vehicles could deal with the demand a tariff would be imposed, decided to promote a company called the "Galtee Steel and Iron Works, Ltd."; if he is further aware that the promoters of the proposed company, who are all Irish nationals, incurred considerable expense in promoting the scheme; if a licence has been granted to a British firm to manufacture the very articles which the Irish company was being formed to manufacture; if he is further aware that, as a result of the belief that such licence has been granted, the promoters of the proposed Irish company have ceased to operate further, to the great loss of the people of Tipperary, and if he will make a statement on the circumstances of the case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Promoters of Factory for Motor, etc., Springs.
The statement in the first part of the question is inaccurate. Mr. John P. Swann was in communication with my Department for a considerable time, and certain proposals which he made for the extension of the duty on imported springs were not acceptable. Mr. Joseph H. Dixon, solicitor, was informed to this effect in a letter dated 20th July, 1934. Following further representations, Mr. Swann and Mr. Dixon were informed that I was prepared to make a recommendation for the extension of the duty provided Mr. Swann's business was reorganised, and my attitude in this respect has not altered. No licence under the Control of Manufactures Acts has been granted to an English company for the manufacture of springs, but I have arranged to issue a licence to a new company which is to be incorporated in the Saorstát for the production of various types of components of motor and horse-drawn vehicles, including springs. This does not involve a breach of any undertaking given to Mr. Swann.
Mr. Bourke
Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the adjournment.