asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the circumstances under which the products of Solus Teo. were refused admission to the British market and whether he will take steps to secure free entry for such industrial exports to foreign markets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Solus Teo. Exports.
I presume the question refers to drinking glasses produced by the firm named. I understand that there is at present in force, under emergency legislation, a general prohibition, save under licence, on the importation of these articles into Great Britain, and that the British authorities are not prepared to issue licences for their importation from any source. It is not proposed to make any special representations in the matter.
Why does not the Minister propose to take up, with the British Board of Trade or whatever is the appropriate Ministry in Great Britain, the question of the absolute prohibition of imports from Éire into Great Britain?
I do not know if the Deputy is referring to drinking glasses only?
I am referring to Mr. J. J. Walsh's speech at the board meeting of Solus Teoranta.
Prohibition on the importation of drinking glasses to Great Britain is not confined to glasses manufactured here. It is, I understand, of general application.
I suppose this is one of the very few countries in the world in a position to offer exports of this commodity to Great Britain at the present time. Would the Minister say if there is any early prospect of this export market being made available again to the industry in this country?
I am not in a position to answer that.
And it is not a matter into which the Minister proposes to inquire?
No.
I would have thought it was his job.