asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has received complaints about deliveries of thread from the Irish Thread Company, and what steps, by free import licence or otherwise, he proposes to take to ensure that supplies of thread will be available for consumers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral—Answers. - Saorstát Thread Supplies.
As there are two companies manufacturing thread in the Saorstát, neither of which is known as the Irish Thread Company, I do not know what class of thread the Deputy refers to in his question. I may say, however, that there is no reason why there should be a shortage of any class of thread now.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he in a position to say whether in fact he has indicated to anybody his intention to issue a licence for the importation of cotton thread on application?
That is a separate question.
The Minister has deliberately avoided my question by pretending that he is confused as between the Irish Thread Company in Westport and the Linen Thread Company operating in Dublin. He knows perfectly well the information that I seek and he is endeavouring by a subterfuge to escape from his responsibility. I shall put down the question again.
I do not know how the Deputy comes to the conclusion that it was possible for me to guess what was in his mind when he farmed that question. In fact, he referred to thread, not cotton thread. Linen thread is also manufactured here.
I shall repeat my question and dig it out of the Minister.
Make sure that it is right the next time.