asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what definite proposals have been made by the E.S.B. for a specific cut in the supply of materials and equipment to be ordered in the period November, 1956, to May, 1957; further, if he will state the commodities in respect of which manufacturers have specifically requested a tapering off of orders to be given.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Materials and Equipment for E.S.B.
The arrangements made by the board with its suppliers for the provision of materials and equipment relate to the day-to-day administration of the board in respect of which I have no function.
The latter part of the Deputy's question appears to be based on a misunderstanding of the position. No such requests have been made by manufacturers.
In reply to the Minister——
In reply?
Those days are gone.
Is the Minister aware that no notice was given of a tapering off programme and that such notice would have been required six months ago?
That is a matter of day-to-day administration of the board.
Mr. Lemass
Did the Minister not state last week that the firms themselves asked to have the orders tapered off?
Would the Deputy mind looking at the Dáil reports for last week and be guided by their accuracy?
Mr. Lemass
Did the Minister not say it?
The Deputy has a vivid imagination which is not in accordance with the facts.
Would the Minister inform the House how many people will be catapulted into immediate unemployment by this tapering off?
I would refer the Deputy to what the Dáil reports say on the matter. The board also have employees who would be put out of jobs.
Question No. 4.