asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that dissatisfaction has been publicly expressed with his Department's delays in dealing with applications for the imposition of new protective duties or the modification of existing duties; and, if so, whether, with a view to (a) obviating such delays, (b) co-ordinating Governmental and Departmental policy in regard to protective tariffs and (c) ensuring that all relevant factors are taken into account, he is prepared to set up some permanent board whose function it would be to adjudicate upon all applications in respect of the imposition, modification or removal of protective duties, and to report on such applications to the Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protective Duties.
I am aware of the allegations of delay referred to by the Deputy, but I am not prepared to accept these entirely at their face value. However, I would refer the Deputy to the announcement that the Government proposes to establish an industrial development authority, one of whose functions it will be to examine proposals submitted to it by the Government relating to the imposition or revision of tariffs, quotas, or other protective measures.
They will submit it to the Emigration Commission, I take it.
Or the Banking Commission, which made you internationally famous.
We do not turn the labour exchanges into recruiting agencies for foreign employment.