§ MR. GINNELLTo ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he will state what measures he has taken with a view to attracting to Ireland some of the foreign manufacturers of articles in general use who may now be willing to establish factories in the British Islands; and if, further to promote the same object, he will give a list of such industries and of the places in Ireland at which he suggests that they might be profitably located.
(Answered by Mr. T. W. Russell.) The Department have made inquiries from various sources with a view to ascertaining particulars with regard to industries in foreign countries which are likely to be affected by the Patents and Designs Act. The particulars thus obtained and other information bearing on the question have been communicated to the Irish Industrial Development Association, Incorporated, and were forwarded by the latter, at the Department's suggestion, to the various urban councils, corporations, and local bodies through Ireland, with a view to each district communicating direct with firms, whose addresses were given, and pointing out to them the particular industrial facilities which such district affords for the establishment of manufactures. Several districts have already taken this action. In addition 952 the Department have assisted the development associations by arranging for a small deputation of three persons, representing the development associations, Irish manufacturers and the Department, to visit the Continent with a view to getting into touch with firms affected by the Patents Act, and bringing under their notice the opportunities afforded by Ireland. They have furnished this deputation with necessary information for this purpose bearing on Irish industrial resources and opportunities. Under the circumstances the Department do not consider it necessary at this stage to publish a list of the nature referred to in the Question.