asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he can state the number of firms manufacturing blankets and rugs (other than rugs used as floor-coverings) in the Saorstát, and the number of persons employed therein at the present time.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - MANUFACTURE OF BLANKETS, RUGS, AND WEARING APPAREL IN SAORSTAT.
There are eighteen firms of this kind in the Saorstát. The number employed at present is a little short of 100.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he can state the number of firms manufacturing wearing apparel (including hats, handkerchiefs and umbrellas) in the Saorstát, and the number of persons employed therein at the present time.
The figures available to me show that there are 67 firms manufacturing wearing apparel in the Saorstát, employing approximately 3,233 persons. I cannot give precise figures as to the employment at the present moment. The figure quoted is, in the main, based on 1924 conditions. I am assuming that the Deputy desires information as to firms producing on a factory basis, and consequently I have not entered into figures as to dressmaking and millinery for instance, although the firms engaged on this work in fact produce wearing apparel. Dressmaking and millinery are, of course, carried on in a very large number of shops throughout the country, of which it will necessarily take a considerable time to obtain full particulars.
Could the Minister say whether sheets are included in wearing apparel?
Do you mean for the purposes of this question or revenue purposes?
No, I mean for the purposes of the Budget?
That is not a question for me to decide.
When looking into the question as to the amount of wearing apparel that would be manufactured in the Free State did the Minister inquire as to sheets?
I think not.