asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if representations have been made to him concerning the importation into Éire of foreign shirts, and what action, if any, has been taken in the matter; if he will state the quantity of shirts of foreign origin imported into Éire for quarters ended 31st March, 30th June, and 30th September, 1940; whether the Minister has considered the depression caused in the shirt-making industry in Éire, and the consequent unemployment of workers engaged in the industry by virtually prohibiting, under Control of Imports (Quota No. 39) Order of 1940, the importation of foreign cloth used for the manufacture of shirts, and permitting the importation into Éire of foreign made shirts made up from materials similar to those prohibited under the said quota, and if the Minister is prepared to prevent the dumping of such shirts into Éire by a quota order similar to that applied to material.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Shirts.
Representations have been made to me by the interested parties in regard to the importation of shirts, and the matter has been the subject of careful examination in my Department.
The Deputy will, no doubt, have observed that in the Monthly Returns of Trade Statistics issued subsequent to August, 1939, a summary only of imports and exports has been given. It has been decided, on grounds of public policy, not to publish for the present more details than are given in the Monthly Summary. For that reason I find myself unable to give the import figures asked for by the Deputy. I may say, however, that the imports of shirts during the present year show an increase compared with preceding years. Nevertheless, the imports during the current year are small in relation to the total output of the shirt industry.
The quota order mentioned by the Deputy covers the importation of plain shirtings. This order was brought into operation for the purpose of assisting the mills engaged in the weaving of cotton piece goods, including shirtings. Prior to its being made the shirt manufacturers obtained a substantial proportion of their requirements of the shirtings in question from the home mills. The quotas under the two other quota orders permit the importation of printed and woven patterned shirtings, which, in fact, constitute the bulk of the materials used in the industry. One of these quota orders does not impose a severe restriction of imports and the other, in effect, imposes no restriction at all.
I am not satisfied, on present information, that there is necessity for affording further protection to the shirt-making industry. I am, however, having the position kept under review.