asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that traders are experiencing great difficulty in securing supplies of shirts and that prices are now approximately 150 per cent. higher than pre-war, imposing very severe hardships on working men and on the poor; that recently small quantities have been imported free of duty under licence, but that as a result of the general reduction in clothing duties to 25 per cent. preferential rate (37½ per cent. full) such licences are now refused; and whether, in order to encourage the importation of any supplies of shirts that can be secured, he will reconsider the necessity for permitting the free importation of the cheaper type of shirt.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Shirts.
I am aware that the manufacturers of shirts are experiencing difficulty in obtaining supplies of materials and that owing to the higher cost of materials and of manufacture, prices have advanced. It is correct that some quantities of shirts were imported recently free of duty under licence, but it has now been decided to standardise all clothing duties at 25 per cent. ad valorem (Preferential Rate) and the issue of licences for duty-free importation has been suspended. This step was taken to facilitate traders in importing supplies of these goods if available, while at the same time protecting the Exchequer revenue, in which receipts from customs duties on wearing apparel have always been a substantial item.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he aware that the chief line of shirts pre-war, costing about 4/6, is now costing from 10/- to 12/-, and that this is a very severe hardship on the poor people, particularly agricultural workers? Will the Minister re-consider the position in the light of that situation?
I am afraid that is not possible.
Can the Minister assure us that no quota restrictions operate to keep ready-made clothing of any kind out of the country?
The Deputy had better give notice of that question.
It being a separate question.
I understood the Minister to say that, in order to encourage imports of those commodities where they were not obtainable at home, he had taken the course of bringing the tariff down to a level of 25 per cent. over all. I want to point out to the Minister that that cannot be encouragement in the presence of a quota.
This is not the time for argument or debate.
Can the Minister say that the 25 per cent. is to be retained, so that merchants who bought a lot of stuff will not be caught napping afterwards?
It will be retained.