asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether production of the Heinkel small car has ceased at the Dundalk works; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Production of Heinkel Small Cars.
34.
Heinkel Cabin Scooters Ltd. is a private commercial undertaking, and it would not normally be within my province to make any statement as to the company's affairs. However, because of the system of ex-gratia payments to ex-employees of the Great Northern Railway works at Dundalk which the Dáil has authorised, I have kept myself informed from time to time of the employment position at these works and I have the agreement of the company to state that production of Heinkels has been temporarily suspended owing to difficulties in the export market for these cars.
Could the Minister say whether it is likely that production in this industry will be resumed? Does he think operations have been suspended indefinitely or is there a likelihood of resumption?
I think the latter is the more likely to eventuate. The possibilities are being examined.
This is a bubble car. Could the Minister say who sold this pup to Dundalk?
The Deputy ought to appreciate that the sale of small cars in Great Britain and Ireland has been affected by the gearing-up of American factories for the production of small cars. The Deputy should not try to take cheap advantage of the situation.
(Interruptions).
Will manufacture be resumed?
Suspension temporarily does not necessarily mean that the manufacture of the cars in Dundalk will be abandoned entirely. The Deputy asked whether there was a possibility of work being suspended indefinitely or whether there was a possibility of resumption. I say that the second eventuality is the more likely.
Live horse and you will get grass.
There is no question of that.