asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) what research, if any, has been carried out since February, 1948, on the problem of using native pyrites for the manufacture of sulphuric acid in this country; (b) whether it is now proposed to arrange for the manufacture of this acid from such native material, and (c) whether alternatively the possibility of using native gypsum or anhydrite has been examined in this connection, and, if so, whether any research has been done on such alternative possibility.

A comparative evaluation of the merits and possibilities of pyrites, gypsum and anhydrite as potential raw materials for the manufacture of sulphuric acid is at present being made as part of a general examination of the best means of exploiting our deposits of these minerals economically and on a large scale. Pending the outcome of this examination I am not in a position to make a statement in the matter.

Can the Minister say whether there is any actual experimental work on this matter in progress?

There is active survey and consideration.

Is any laboratory work being done on it?

I believe so.

Has it got to the stage of setting up any pilot plants?

I am not prepared to answer that question.

You do not know. That is the answer.

May I ask the Minister if the Government have given instructions and sanction to the Industrial Alcohol Company to proceed with the production of sulphuric acid?

The position is that there are a number of factors actively engaged in examining the position and I would not care at this stage to go into detail further than what I have already told the Deputy.

Does the Minister think that three years' active consideration is sufficient?

I do not know that there is any substance or accuracy in the Deputy's suggestion.