asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate the quantity of cement imported in 1948, 1949, 1950 and 1951 to date, the value of the imports in each year and the aggregate amount and value for the period, the excess amount over cost of home-manufactured cement in each case and the estimated reduction per ton, if home demands were met by home production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cement Imports.
The quantities of cement imported and the landed cost during the period 1st January, 1948, to 30th September, 1951, were:—
|
Tons |
Landed Cost |
|
|
£ |
||
|
1948 |
36,992 |
223,308 |
|
1949 |
103,440 |
584,851 |
|
1950 |
187,344 |
1,080,959 |
|
1951 to 30th September |
134,841 |
960,408 |
The aggregate amount was 462,617 tons and the aggregate value £2,849,526. The excess cost of the cement imported as compared with the cost of the same quantities of home produced cement was £70,227 in 1948, £175,814 in 1949, £353,161 in 1950 and £315,865 in the period 1st January, 1951, to 30th September, 1951. If home production had been sufficient to meet the home demand in full, and if the cost of production had been the same as that of the cement actually manufactured by Cement Limited during that period, the consequential reduction in the price of cement would have been 8/11 per ton on average during the period 1st January, 1948, to 30th September, 1951.
There is not much credit due to the cement company for allowing that position to develop in the country.
The Deputy should put the cap where it fits.