asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware of the high prices requested for children's clothing and footwear, and that the inability of a large number of people to pay these prices has resulted in failure to provide these necessaries for their children; also, if he is aware that children's illnesses are on the increase as a result of this failure; and if he will state if his Department has under consideration any recent proposals which may reduce the hardships resulting from these circumstances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Children's Clothing and Footwear.
Mr. A. Byrne
I am aware that the prices of children's clothing and footwear have increased, but I am satisfied that the increases are in general due to causes beyond control, such as higher costs of materials and production. The prices and profits of the manufacturers of these articles are under control, as well as the prices of the materials from which they are manufactured, so far as these are controllable in this country. Every effort has been and is being made to ensure the maximum production of clothing and footwear of the utility kind used by children and this tends to keep costs of manufacture down. When the Orders governing the prices of clothing and footwear were framed, the margins allowed for articles used by children were fixed at specially low levels. Both manufacturers' and traders' profits are under periodical review, with a view to keeping prices as low as possible.
Consideration of proposals for the amelioration of hardships and ill-health resulting from the inability of any class to purchase adequate clothing and footwear is a matter, in the first instance, for the Minister for Local Government and Public Health.
Mr. A. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that certificates have been produced to the school attendance committee of the ill-health of children because of the lack of clothing and boots? Would the Minister reconsider the matter, possibly with a view to giving a subsidy towards the provision of children's clothing and boots? The prices to-day for them are appalling. I know the Minister is doing his best, but I would ask him to consider this matter further in connection with those cases where children are bare-footed.