asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware of the very acute shortage of woollen thread in County Mayo; that many retailers are having their quota of wool converted into machine-made goods (e.g., socks and pullovers) and selling them at an exorbitant price, thereby depriving the housewife of the means of making home-made woollen goods; and that it is impossible to purchase any white wool, which is causing great anxiety to expectant mothers; and, if so, if he will state what measures he intends to take to ensure reasonable supplies through out the county.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Woollen Thread Shortage in County Mayo.
I am aware that there is a general shortage of hand-knitting yarn though I have no information which would indicate that the shortage is more acute in Mayo than it is elsewhere. Production of white and coloured yarns has been substantially increased and the shortage is due mainly to the exceptionally heavy demand. A further increase in the supply could be obtained only at the expense of cloth and hosiery production in factories and workshops, but I do not consider it would be in the public interest to adopt this means of increasing the output of hand-knitting yarn. No complaint has previously been made to me that traders are using supplies of yarn to have them converted into made-up garments for sale at excessive prices. The matter will, however, be fully investigated if the Deputy will furnish sufficient particulars to enable an investigation to be made.