asked the Minister for Supplies if the prices section of his Department has investigated the exorbitant prices being charged for men's working boots in County Mayo, and in other areas, and if he is aware of the inferior quality of many of the working boots now on sale.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price and Quality of Boots in Mayo.
Since the 3rd August, 1943, the prices of footwear, including men's working boots, have been controlled under the Emergency Powers (Footwear) (Maximum Prices) Order, 1943, and I have no reason to believe that the Order is not being observed by manufacturers and traders generally. There is no information in my Department that exorbitant prices are being charged for men's working boots in County Mayo, and I do not propose to carry out any special investigation in the matter. If the Deputy is aware of any cases where exorbitant prices are being charged he should communicate with my Department and these cases will be specially investigated.
As regards the second part of the question, I shall answer that in reply to Question No. 16.
The Minister must be aware that the prices of working-men's boots—nailed boots—are anything from 35/- to £3 a pair, and the fact is that when the culprits who are indulging in this kind of profiteering are brought to the bar of justice, they are let off with a fine.
Is this a question?
These people are charging exorbitant prices, and when they are brought to justice they get off lightly.
That is not a question.
The small people are punished, but when the black marketeers are brought to the bar of justice they are allowed to get away with it by paying a fine.
asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that the county medical officer of health for County Mayo is reported to have complained, at a recent meeting of Ballina Urban Council, of the poor quality of children's footwear issued during recent months, and if he is now in a position to take steps to ensure that better quality materials be used in the making of children's boots and shoes in the future.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the negative. The quality of the materials used in production is affected by the difficulties of the supply position and, taking account of these difficulties, there is no evidence available to me which suggests that the boots and shoes now being produced for adults and children are below the best standard which it is practicable for producers to reach in present circumstances.
Read the medical officer's report.
Does the Minister seriously say that he is satisfied with the standard now being produced?
No.
Would the Minister express his view on this statement, that the average position in the home now is that boots have to be sent for repair within a month of being purchased?
And sometimes within a fortnight.
There is no doubt that the standard is below pre-war standard, but it is the best standard that can be produced with available materials.
Does the Minister think that anything could be done to improve it even a little?
I am quite certain that the standard being produced is the best possible.