asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the scarcity of iron or mild steel bars suitable for making horseshoes and wheelbands; and, if so, whether he is in a position to state when the manufacture of such bars will again be carried out by Irish Steel Holdings, Limited, Haulbowline.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Manufacture of Iron and Steel Bars.
I understand that the demand for steel bars suitable for making horseshoes and wheelbands has been abnormal of late. Irish Steel Holdings, Limited, are and have been meeting a fair proportion of the demand for these bars, but it will be appreciated that the company has also to cope with pressing demands for other types of merchant steel. If the Deputy will give me particulars of the shortages to which he refers, I will see what can be done to overcome these difficulties.