asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether he can give the approximate date when the furnaces at Haulbowline for the melting of scrap (iron and steel) will be completed, and if he will state whether any steps are being taken for the accumulation in this country of such scrap.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Haulbowline Furnaces.
Active consideration is at present being given to the matter of the restarting of the works of Irish Steel, Ltd. If difficulties arising in this connection can be overcome, it will, nevertheless, take at least six months, I understand, to instal furnaces, provided the materials necessary to complete the furnaces can be obtained. The export of scrap iron and scrap steel from this country is prohibited except under licence. Licences are not issued for the export of scrap cast iron, and in the case of scrap steel, only for categories for which there is no home demand. The present practice in respect of the issue of such licences for other categories will be reconsidered if there is an indication that a demand for them may arise at Haulbowline.