asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to reports concerning the closing of the boot factory in Killarney owned by Messrs. Hilliard and Sons, and if it is a fact, as stated, that (a) leather of the quality and weight needed by the factory could not be procured in the Saorstát, (b) and permission to import the leather could not be secured.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killarney Boot Factory.
Mr. Crowley
I have seen the reports referred to.
I am aware that certain classes of upper leather could not be obtained in the Saorstát, and every application received from Messrs. Hilliard and Sons since August last for licences for the duty-free importation of such leathers has been granted by my Department.
As regards sole or bottom leather, I have no evidence that the firm is unable to obtain its requirements from home sources, and no application from Messrs. Hilliard and Sons for a licence in respect of such leather has been received in my Department for a considerable time past.