asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the average number of persons employed weekly on the manufacture of knitted fabric composed entirely of silk or artificial silk or a mixture of silk and artificial silk referred to in Emergency Imposition of Duties (No. 85) Order, 1935, and the average amount of the wages paid weekly during the year ended the 31st December, 1934; and if he will state whether the imposition of the duty imposed by the said Order will increase this employment; and, if so, to what extent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment in Manufacture of Knitted Fabric.
Knitted fabric of artificial silk was produced to a small extent in the year 1934. Information in regard to the average number of persons employed weekly on its manufacture during that year and the average amount of the wages paid weekly is not available. The duty was imposed so as to encourage the development of the industry in the country and thereby give increased employment, but I am not at this stage in a position to state the extent of the increase which will result.