asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether any nationals of Éire have made representations to his Department that they are fully equipped and financed to go into the production of children's and juveniles' clothing, and seeking permission to establish themselves in this business; how many such applications were granted, and how many were refused, and if he will make a general statement as to the refusals in view of the scarcity and high cost of such clothing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Children's and Juveniles' Clothing.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of manufacturers in this country who cater for production of children's clothing, and also the names of those manufacturers and firms.
I propose to take questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
Under Emergency Powers Orders relating to textiles, no person may engage in the production of garments by machinery without a licence. Because of the great shortage of textile raw materials, it was decided, in fairness to established producers, to refuse licences for new businesses. The total number of licences issued was 1,165. No record was kept of applications which were refused and it is, therefore, not possible to say how many were refused. The licences issued to garment manufacturers do not specify whether children's or adults' garments are to be produced.
Does the Minister not consider that if more licences were issued there would be greater production of children's clothing and that that would have the effect of reducing the price of such clothing?
There can be no increase in production if the makers are not supplied with the materials. The bringing of new firms into the business will not increase the supply of materials.
Does this arise out of control under an Emergency Powers Order?
Yes.
Is the Minister aware that the profits of those engaged in the manufacture of children's clothing have reached——
That is a separate question.
Will the Minister say whether the price——
That is a separate question.
Order!
It does not arise. It is a separate question, and the Deputy will have to put it down separately.
Can I not put a supplementary question to the Minister?
It is not a supplementary question to the question asked.
On a point of order——
That is the point of order.
Question No. 7 relates to the high cost of clothing.
I am asking a supplementary question, with your permission, on the high price of clothing referred to in the question. I am asking the Minister to see that a reduction takes place, as the children are going around Dublin naked and cold— and the Minister knows it.
Could the Minister say the number of manufacturers in the country engaged in this type of work?
I have given the Deputy the figures already.