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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Feb 1943

Vol. 89 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drapery Yard Goods.

asked the Minister for Supplies whether there is any truth in the suggestion that he intends to restrict purchases of all or any class of drapery yard goods produced in Ireland by introducing a system of buying permits without which drapers and others cannot purchase yard goods; and, if so, whether he knows that this will result in the unemployment of dressmakers, tailors and shop assistants throughout rural Ireland.

It has been represented to me that malpractices have developed, and are developing, in the purchase and sale of textile piece goods, and I have been informed that these goods are being purchased and resold again at enhanced prices, with the consequence that the prices of clothing are tending to increase unduly. It is necessary to eliminate these abuses, and for this purpose a system of buying permits for all piece goods has been proposed. All the interests affected are being consulted on this proposal, and the discussions are proceeding. I am not aware that the buying permit system would cause unemployment amongst dressmakers, tailors and shop assistants throughout Ireland. On the contrary, I consider that a system of buying permits should ensure that more cloth would be available to drapers, tailors and dressmakers in rural areas since it would help to prevent the deflection into other channels of the supplies which would otherwise go to such persons.

Is the Minister in a position to state now that due regard will be had to the purchases made by drapers, by rural dressmakers and by rural tailors in the previous year when allocating permits under the scheme in contemplation, and that they will get their due share of whatever permits are available?

The Deputy may be assured that due regard will be had to all relevant considerations.

Is there any truth in the suggestion that the Minister intends to orientate the bulk of the available yard goods to makers-up in the cities, thus leaving drapers, dressmakers and tailors in the country without any goods to sell or work on, or, at least, leave them with a very small percentage of their usual requirements to sell or work on?

There will be no undue preference given to traders in the cities.

Will any preference be given to makers-up, tailors and dressmakers in the country?

I think the Deputy had better wait until he sees the Order.

It will be too late then. Can we have an indication from the Minister now as to what his intentions are?

I would refer the Deputy to my reply. The matter is under discussion at the moment with all interested parties.

The truth is that the Minister is giving a knock-out to every dressmaker and tailor in the country.

The Deputy is usually wrong.

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