asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what committees have been set up in relation in any way to his Department for the purpose of making recommendations or helping in post-emergency development work intended to increase production and employment; the date the committees were set up; the names and qualifications of their members; and the dates and matters on which any reports or recommendations have been received; and whether and when it is intended to publish these reports or recommendations; and if it is not intended to publish them, the reason for not doing so.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post-War Development Work.
I have not caused any committees of the type to which the Deputy refers to be set up and I am of opinion that no useful purpose would be served by so doing. Industrial firms throughout the country have been invited, however, to submit detailed reports of plans for development and expansion in the post-war period. These reports are still being received and are being examined. When the completed reports for each particular industry have been received, examined and correlated, it is proposed to meet the representatives of the industry concerned to discuss the problems peculiar to that industry. I am satisfied that this is the method of procedure best calculated to achieve satisfactory results in the industrial field. As the Deputy must be aware, it has been the settled practice of my Department to consult, as occasion required, the various industrial advisory committees which have been in existence for many years.
Will the Minister say if part of the plans referred to is the getting of raw materials that may be necessary from abroad?
That certainly will be included.