asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made at the Cork Council of Irish Unions and published in a morning newspaper of the 17th June, 1950, that it had come to their notice that since the last weekly meeting of the council some fertilisers had come in in the finished state; that up to this the fertilisers came in the raw state with the result that the article was finished in the Irish factory, thereby creating immense employment, and that the employees in the chemical industry were worried because they felt their employment might be affected, and if he will state whether imports of finished fertilisers have been permitted recently and, if so, if he will take effective steps to prevent such imports in future.
Questions— Oral Answers. - Fertiliser Imports.
I have made enquiries into the matter raised in the question. I am aware that fertilisers are being imported in the finished state and they have been so imported since supplies became available, but I have no knowledge of any unemployment in the Irish fertiliser factories because of the imports, as the demand for these fertilisers is greater than the home manufacturers can supply. For this reason quota restrictions on imports have been suspended for some time and facilities are given for importing fertilisers free of duty. Until there is evidence that the manufacturers are in a position to supply the full requirements of the market the question of preventing imports does not arise.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the fertiliser was actually ordered from the firm; that they actually had two-cwt. bags branded instead of one-cwt. bags; that they had installed a hopper instead of the ordinary automatic scales to weigh them, and that they actually had 7,000 tons of the raw materials in stock, ready to go ahead, and they had no difficulty in getting the raw materials? I might point out that this factory gives a considerable amount of employment in the City of Cork.
Yes, but I understand there is at present a shortage of fertilisers and that the home factories are unable to supply the full demand.
I think I can assure the Parliamentary Secretary that they have plenty in stock and that they are able to supply. There is no doubt about the supply.
It may be that they are able to supply the demand that an individual factory can get, but the fact is that the supplies necessary for the country cannot be adequately be met from home factories. The only representations made in this matter have been in respect of the individual concern in Cork, both by the Deputy and Deputy Hickey. As I understand it, the question of unemployment has not arisen.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that this phosphate — Gafsa phosphate as it is called — was actually being ordered by the Sugar Company from Messrs. Goulding of Cork and that they had installed a hopper and that they had plenty of raw materials to go ahead? Is the Parliamentary Secretary going to ensure that no further supplies will be brought in or disemployment caused by importing this phosphate until he makes sure there is not a sufficient supply in the country?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this firm was charging an excessive price for the fertilisers?
That is not so; there is no question of price.
The Parliamentary Secretary is no doubt aware that this firm gives seasonal employment and, at the time of this consignment, they could have given employment to several other men in the supplying of this order from the sugar company. As a result of the granting of a permit to import this phosphate at this particular time in the finished state, several men were unable to be taken on by this firm.
There is a great difference between taking on people and putting them off. Deputies are no doubt aware that the demand for fertilisers is also seasonal and at this period every year there is a slackening off and consequently the demand is not as keen. The fact is, however, that the fertiliser factories in this country are unable at present to supply the need.
Hear, hear!
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that Messrs. Goulding could have supplied this order to the Irish Sugar Company but, as a result of the permit given, they were unable to do so?
What is all this about?
They want to protect the ring.
We want to protect the workers of Cork.