asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state whether in view of the fact that the Emergency Powers (Control of Prices) (No. 1) Order, 1939, has ceased to apply to leather, he will state what steps, if any, have been taken to control (a) the wholesale, and (b) the retail price of leather, and whether any increases have taken place in (a) the wholesale or (b) the retail prices of leather since the 20th October, 1939.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Price of Leather.
Leather was withdrawn from the operation of the Emergency Powers (Control of Prices) (No. 1) Order, 1939, on representations made by the Federation of Irish Tanners that owing to the increases in prices of imported hides, skins and partly processed leather, the pre-war prices of leather could not be maintained. The case was fully examined and it was agreed that specific additions should be made to the prices of heavy leathers, to operate in part up to 31st October, and fully thereafter. Increases were also agreed for light leathers. These prices are continually under review. The wholesale price of imported leather has risen corresponding to the rise in prices in Great Britain and elsewhere. There does not appear to be any necessity to regulate the retail price of leather, as the bulk of it is supplied to manufacturers and shoemakers.
Are we to understand that apparently every manufacturer in the country can seek to compensate himself for the rise in prices, although the Government has set its face against workers getting any compensation because of rising prices?
We have agreed to increase the price of commodities where it was shown that costs outside our control had necessitated such increase. There is no analogy between such increase and profits.
Does the Minister consider it compatible with that policy, to increase prices for manufacturers while at the same time there is a Government declaration that they have set their faces against any increase to workers, to compensate them for the increased price of commodities which manufacturers are now at liberty to sell at higher prices?
There was no such declaration by the Government, but there was an indication that it was desirable in the national interests, and particularly in the interests of the workers, that there should be no all-round attempt to compensate by increase of profits, wages or salaries, groups of individuals for increased costs, at the expense of the community as a whole.
Question No. 12, Deputy Tadhg O Murchadha.
Is the position that the manufacturers——
Question No. 12.
Are the manufacturers to get increased profits——
Not if we can help it.
Question No. 12.
Is the position that the manufacturers are to get increased profits while the workers will be denied any increase in wages?
The Deputy is concerned only with making Party propaganda, not with the interests of the workers.
Question 13.
Question 12 has not been asked.
Nobody rose to put Question 12.
It was not called.
It was distinctly called twice but the Deputy was so occupied that he did not hear.
It was not heard because the Minister was so disorderly in his interruptions.