asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) how many licences have been issued since the 1st June, 1950, from his Department, authorising the export of scrap metal from the Port of Dublin; (b) the quantity of scrap metal in respect of which each licence was granted, and (c) the names and addresses of the firms or individuals to whom such licences were issued.

Two hundred and twenty-two licences authorising the export of scrap metals have been issued by my Department since 1st June, 1950. The licences do not specify the port through which the scrap metals are to be exported.

I am not prepared to furnish particulars in respect of individual licences.

I may add that, as the Deputy was informed in reply to a question on 6th March, licences are given for the export of scrap metals only where I am satisfied that the materials are not required here, or that some national advantage is secured in return.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary not think the figure of 222 licences since 1st June last is unduly high? What weight of scrap metal would be involved in that number of licences?

As regards ferrous scrap, 10,900 tons, and non-ferrous scrap, 5,200 tons.