asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the quantity and value of (1) pianos and (2) other musical instruments purchased for use at the wireless broadcasting station during the last 12 months other than through traders in musical instruments in Dublin, Cork, Waterford or Limerick; and if he will state whether such purchases were made after competitive tender had been invited; the countries from which such tenders were invited, and the method adopted for inviting such tenders; and, particularly, if tenders were invited from Irish traders and the manner in which such tenders were invited; the names and addresses of the manufacturers, and the names and addresses of the persons supplying the instruments, and the reason why (a) Irish tenders were not invited, or (b) Irish tenders, if any, were not accepted; whether the instruments were imported under duty-free licences, and, if so, what the normal customs duty payments would have been; and if customs duty was paid, the amount so paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Musical Instruments for Broadcasting Station.
The only musical instruments purchased for the broadcasting service during the past 12 months, otherwise than through traders in this country, were two Steinway Concert Grand pianos. The pianos were obtained on wholesale terms direct from the London agents of the manufacturers, Messrs. Steinway and Sons, London. The cost was £649 5s. 0d., plus customs duty, £216 15s. 0d.—total, £866 0s. 0d.
In view of the considerable economy resulting from direct purchase, competitive tenders from traders were not invited.
Is the Minister aware that the quantity of musical instruments purchased in the country has been reduced by more than 50 per cent. in the last six years and that traders in that business are having a bad time? They are continuing to support their employees, to maintain their premises and to pay rates and taxes; and I should like to ask the Minister whether he has given any consideration to that when withdrawing from the traders the opportunity of competing for an order the value of which he suggested is something over £600?
Of course we had to take into consideration the saving to the State of the money saved through this transaction. This has been the practice of the Department when not dealing with manufacturers. We are merely dealing with an agent. That is the usual practice and it has not been departed from.
It is a very bad example to other purchasers in the country.