asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the impossibility of securing supplies of blankets; and whether he will consult producers with a view to making supplies available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Blankets.
Owing to the prevailing shortage of materials for textile production the supply of blankets is below normal and the scarcity is no doubt accentuated by an increased demand stimulated by the severe weather conditions. For some years past there have been periodical consultations in my Department with the textile producers so that production might be regulated to make the best possible use of the available materials and acting on my directions the Irish woollen mills are producing 90 per cent. of the country's pre-war requirements of woollen blankets but there are practically no supplies of cotton blankets now available. I am satisfied that the mills are doing all that can reasonably be expected of them having regard to the materials at their disposal and to the other essential demands which they have to meet.