asked the Minister tor Industry and Commerce if he will state whether normal supplies of cement will soon be forthcoming and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cement Supplies.
It had been hoped that as from the 2nd instant supplies of cement would have been adequate to meet the normal requirements of the country. It has been learned from Messrs. Cement Ltd., however, that on the 8th instant an accident occurred to an electro-motor in the Drogheda factory. This led to a hold-up in manufacture. The company have not yet succeeded in effecting the repair of the machinery in question. They are, however, hopeful that it will be effected in the course of the present week. In the meantime, they are taking steps to increase, as far as possible, their purchases of foreign cement. It will, of course, be realised that in the present situation a certain shortage may occur for a short time.
"A certain shortage" is a mild expression.