asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is correct that following his statement in the Dáil on 17th July, 1951 (Official Reports, column 1630, Volume 126), that the supply of underground water mains was satisfactory, the Kildare County Council wrote asking for particulars of the places where such supplies could be obtained and if he will indicate the date of the letter and the date and nature of his Department's reply.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Water Mains.
It is not correct that the Kildare County Council wrote to my Department asking for particulars of places where supplies of underground water mains could be obtained.
The Kildare County Council wrote on the 20th September, 1951, intimating that they were placing orders with three British firms for pipes and fittings required in connection with their proposed regional water supply scheme but that the time of delivery of these supplies was stated to be from 18 months to two years. They suggested that if representations were made (presumably to the British authorities) it might be possible to have delivery effected at an earlier date.
The letter was received on the 20th September, 1951, and was acknowledged on the following day. The whole question of making representations to the British authorities about supplies of iron and steel for British firms engaged in an export trade is one of particular complexity under the existing system of iron and steel distribution in Great Britain. The request made by the Kildare County Council, as well as other requests of the same kind, will be borne in mind; the Deputy will appreciate that there would be no point in making representations of this kind unless I could see some prospect of success.
Am I to gather from the Minister's reply that his reply of 17th July last was incorrect when he said the supply position was satisfactory?
On 17th July last I was informed by the Department of Local Government that supplies of those pipes were relatively plentiful. The position has deteriorated somewhat since then. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the future of the steel industry in Britain is in dispute at the present time and that creates further difficulty.