asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether all the following companies (1) Industrial Engineering Limited (2) Heinkel Cabin Scooters Limited (3) Dundalk Engineering Works Limited (4) Commercial Road Vehicles Limited (5) Frank Bonser and Company Limited and (6) Dealgan Steel Foundry Limited have filed all the returns requisite under the Companies Acts; if not, which of these are in default; in what respect and for how long; and what action he proposes to take in reference thereto.

The companies referred to have defaulted in the matter of the filling of the annual returns for 1960, which are required under Section 26 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908 and which, I understand, became due on 21st January, 1961. Steps to secure compliance with the provisions of this Section are being taken by the Registrar of Companies.

There are also obligations on companies, generally, to file with the Registrar copies of Resolutions and other documents. There is no evidence available to me, however, that the companies in question have defaulted in these matters.

Would the Minister say when the companies in question cleared their 1959 responsibilities?

On 18th and 21st February of this year.

Since the question was put down, in other words?

I cannot say exactly when the question was put down. The Deputy will appreciate that my mind was directed to that necessity long before the question was put down.

I do not blame the Minister at all but does he not agree that a group of companies which have received more than £1,500,000 of the taxpayers' money might have more regard for their liabilities under the Companies Acts?

It is an oversimplification to say that they received over £1,500,000 of the taxpayers' money. The Industrial Credit Company advanced these moneys to them in the ordinary way.

Public moneys, then. Does the Minister not agree that a group of companies which have received over £1,500,000 of public moneys should have regard to their duties and obligations under the Companies Acts?

I am very conscious of their duties and I am advising the companies to have due regard to their obligations.

Can the Minister give any idea as to what the reason may be for such a default? Possibly there is a good explanation.

The Taoiseach would know that.

That would be a matter for the Registrar of Companies.