asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it is a fact that scrap metal is being exported from the port of Dublin at the moment, and if, in view of the potential importance of such metal, and in view of a further deterioration in the international situation, he will take such steps as are necessary to ensure that these exports are stopped.

Some consignments of scrap metal have recently been exported from the port of Dublin under the authority of licences granted by my Department.

Exports of scrap metal are rigidly controlled and facilities are granted only where the metal cannot be used within the country or where it arises from the breaking up of ships. The export of ship scrap is allowed in order to promote employment by the shipbreaking firms who have to compete against foreign buyers when purchasing vessels for demolition.

Is it not a fact that during an emergency period this metal would be irreplaceable and highly valuable to the community? In view of that, does the Minister not think it is unwise to allow even a limited quantity of it to be exported?

There is no quantity of any metal, which is essential to the requirements of the country, allowed to be exported.

Essential at the moment?

Essential at any time.

Will the Minister not agree that it is unwise to allow anything which is in such an essential category to be exported?

Is the Minister not aware that the Minister for Agriculture is building up a graveyard of scrap steel and metal consisting of the machines which he has been importing from America?

We are not going to put all the scrap there.

You might find yourself in it.

It is not in a metal graveyard I will be put.

I would not like the Minister to misunderstand me. I was merely referring to him as a politician.

Question No. 26.

Is it in order for a Deputy to call Deputy MacEntee a sewer rat?

I did not hear that.

It depends on the mouth it came from. One rat would know another rat.

It would not be in order to do that?

No.

The sewer rats will be grateful for that ruling.

Deputy Cowan will withdraw that remark.

I withdraw it.

And the only person——

That finishes it.

The civil war chief.