asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether there is only one firm manufacturing sheet lead in this country; if he is aware that the price of old lead is controlled by his Department and that scrap lead dealers are not prepared to sell scrap lead at the controlled price; that, at the present time, there is a serious shortage of sheet lead; and if he will either withdraw the controlled price or take alternative steps to make supplies available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Sheet Lead.
There is only one firm in the country manufacturing sheet lead, supplies of which are very scarce. The price of scrap lead is controlled but increased production of sheet lead depends not on supplies of scrap lead but on supplies of imported pig lead, of which there is a world scarcity.
I have had no application from the scrap merchants for an increase in the price of scrap lead, and I know of no reason why such an increase should be sanctioned.