HC Deb 03 December 1942 vol 385 cc1303-4
61. Dr. Little

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, in view of the scarcity of steel and the appeals made for railings and gates, even for the railings surrounding grave plots, 400 tons of the rails of the Clogher Valley Railway in Northern Ireland have been sold and exported to the neutral state of Eire?

Captain Waterhouse

Before the export of these light rails was allowed, extensive inquiries were made to discover whether they were needed in this country or in Northern Ireland, but no outlet for them was found. The undertakings in Eire which will be using these rails are performing useful services which indirectly assist the war effort. It, therefore, seemed that to use serviceable rails as scrap would in these circumstances be false economy.

Dr. Little

Were the Government of Northern Ireland consulted regarding the sale and export of these rails at a time when there is such a scarcity of steel?

Captain Waterhouse

Yes, Sir; I understand that the Government of Northern Ireland supported the application.

Dr. Little

Did the Government of Northern Ireland consent to it?

Captain Waterhouse

My information is that they not only consented but supported one, at least, of these applications.