asked the Minister for Supplies if there are any manufacturers of 2½ inch and 2¾ inch canvas fire hose known to his Department who can give deliveries of materials before 1941.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Canvas Fire Hose.
As far as I am aware, canvas fire hose of the kind referred to is not manufactured in this country. I will be prepared to make inquiries as to the possibility of obtaining supplies from sources outside the country if the Deputy will let me have particulars.
As far as I know no further elaboration is required, beyond the fact that it is 2½ inch and 2¾ inch canvas fire hose. Some correspondence with the Minister's Department resulted in such unsatisfactory references that I addressed the question to the Minister. The Department referred to one party and he said he could not give a price for canvas fire hose, and others said that they were not permitted to make any fire hose without a licence from the Controller, so that the Minister will have to make some inquiries to see whether 2½ inch or 2¾ inch canvas fire hose is obtainable from any source.
That is not the question the Deputy asked.
I will read the question again. (Question read.) The Minister can add anything to that if he wishes.
I informed the Deputy that there are no such manufacturers in this country. I now gather that he asks me to speak for the world as a whole. I am afraid I cannot do that.
Are you not Minister for Supplies?
That is a very tall order.
What other job have you but to get fire hose if we want it?
That is not the question that was asked.
If we establish the fact that the Minister for Supplies cannot get any supplies, because none are available, that is a very important matter. If the Government would only take that to heart in respect to other supplies it would be of importance to this country.
I suggest that if Deputies think that matters of this kind should be raised, they should do so through the ordinary channels and not by a Parliamentary question.
I agree with the Minister, but when replies are absolutely hopeless, one is left with no other course but to ask a Parliamentary question.