asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce (a) on what date the Weir Textile Mills, Tuam, County Galway commenced operations; (b) what quantity of its products were exported, and to what countries; (c) what quantities of the goods manufactured remained in stock on the date when the factory ceased to operate; and (d) whether any efforts are being made to dispose of this stock; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that these goods produced for export are not unloaded on the home market.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuam Textile Mills.
41.
I understand that the factory at Tuam commenced operation in July, 1958. I am precluded from giving the particulars requested at (b), (c) and the first part of (d) of the Deputy's question, as it is not the practice to disclose information relating to the private affairs of an individual firm. As regards the second part of (d) of the Deputy's question, the extent to which the company may sell on the home market is determined by the conditions of its new manufacture licence. Should there be any breach of these conditions, it would be open to me to take appropriate action under the Control of Manufactures Acts.
Can the Minister say whether in fact any goods manufactured for export have been unloaded on the home market?
I am afraid I cannot say offhand. An application was made to enable such goods to be sold on the home market and it was rejected.