asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that it is impossible to procure supplies of cotton sheetings, and whether he will issue licences for the importation of these free of duty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Cotton Sheetings.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the negative. I am not prepared to recommend the issue of licences for the importation of cotton sheetings free of duty.
Is the Minister in a position to inform the House of any source of supply of twill cotton sheetings in this country at the present time? Personally I made exhaustive inquiries, and I failed to secure any source of supply available to merchants in this country of twill cotton sheetings.
The Deputy's inquiries cannot have been exhaustive, because I am informed by manufacturers of these goods that there is no order that has been received by them that has not been completed.
I have been informed by wholesalers, and it is my own personal experience, that they find it impossible to get supplies. Will the Minister see that if any merchant addresses his Department he will be furnished with the names of manufacturers who are in a position to supply these goods?
As far as the names of manufacturers who can supply these goods go, they can do so from stock.
They will?
Yes.