asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that valuable quantities of fish taken on our southern coasts this season must be dumped as useless if barrels for curring are not at hand; that staves for such barrels are now obtainable in Sweden if delivery can be effected; and, further, if he will arrange that Irish Shipping, Limited, will provide tonnage to lift these staves direct from Sweden, as there is little hope of getting them through Britain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Barrels for Fish Curing.
I am aware of the desirability of having supplies of barrels for fish curing. I have no information as to the availability of staves at present in Sweden. Timber is available from Sweden at present on a quota basis. The most important need is timber for building. Inquiries are at present in progress as to whether other timber products including staves can be obtained from Sweden without prejudice to the quota of timber for building purposes. If so, space for their transport can be provided on ships operated by Irish Shipping Ltd.