asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state if any quantity of foreign footwear was imported from America and from the Continent within the past 12 months; and, if so, whether he will consider for the future reserving the shipping space which may be allocated to these or other luxury goods for the transport of more necessary commodities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Footwear.
Shipping space has been provided on Irish ships for the importation of footwear from Switzerland, Canada and the United States of America during the past 12 months. I consider it desirable to supplement, as far as possible, by imports the home production of footwear, which is considerably reduced for lack of raw materials. Further applications for space on Irish ships for the importation of footwear from abroad will be considered by the Department of Supplies in the light of the circumstances obtaining at the time when such applications are received.