asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state in respect of cement (a) the price per ton; (b) the amount imported; and (c) the import price, in each of the years 1937, 1938, 1939, 1948 and 1949.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cement Industry.
The average selling prices of imported cement per ton were 48/- in 1937, 49/11d. in 1938, 48/11d. in 1939, 97/2d. in 1948 and 95/7d. in 1949.
The quantities imported were 344,745 tons in 1937, 203,471 tons in 1938, 84,471 tons in 1939, 36,491 tons in 1948, and 103,441 tons in 1949.
The average landed costs of these imports per ton were 38/9d. in 1937, 41/11d. in 1938, 41/9d. in 1939, 121/4d. in 1948, and 112/6d. in 1949.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it is the intention of the Government to establish a third cement factory; and, if so (i) whether he will be prepared to consider favourably the outstanding claims of Clarecastle as the most suitable site, and (ii) whether he proposes to proceed by State action or through private enterprise.
The question of the method of producing the additional supplies of cement necessary to meet the country's requirements is under consideration. In that consideration the claims of Clarecastle as a site for a cement factory will be borne in mind.