asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is in a position to give figures as to the value of leather tanned and used in the Saorstát, and if any Saorstát-tanned leather is exported, and also the value of leather imported, and whether he is taking any steps to revive the tanning industry in the Saorstát.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - LEATHER TANNING IN THE SAORSTAT.
SEAMUS O CRUADHLAOICH
I have no official information as to the value of sole and harness leather tanned and used in the Saorstát during 1924, but an approximate figure of £74,000 was given to my Department as an estimate by representatives of the tanning industry. The quantity of tanned leather exported from the Saorstát in the same year was negligible. The value of tanned leather imported in 1924 was £352,000, while the value of finished leather articles imported was £172,000.
Towards the end of 1924 my Department established an Advisory Committee for the tanning industry in the Saorstát in order to enquire into the position of the industry and to ascertain what steps could be taken to revive it. This Committee was composed of representatives of each of the firms at present carrying on business. Several meetings were held which resulted in a proposal by the Committee for a substantial duty on imported sole and harness leather, the only classes of leather tanned in this country at present. The Advisory Committee in the boot manufacturing industry was consulted and represented that any such proposal would cripple their industry, for which tanned leather is the raw material. In view of the serious consequences on the boot manufacturing industry the proposals of the tanning industry did not appear practicable.