asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of workers at present unemployed in the boot and shoe industry in (a) the country generally, and (b) in Drogheda and Dundalk in particular; whether he is aware that this unemployment is due to the importation during the past two years of excessive quantities of footwear; whether he is aware that the trade unions concerned made repeated applications without effect to his predecessor on this subject; whether, in view of the danger of unemployment increasing, he will cause an immediate inquiry into the position of the industry; and whether he will, pending the results of the inquiry, take steps to cause a temporary prohibition of the importation of footwear.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment in Footwear Industry.
The number of workers in the boot and shoe industry registered as unemployed on the 20th February, 1948, was 1,125 for the whole country; was 354 for Drogheda, and 126 for Dundalk.
Representations regarding the effect of excessive imports of footwear on employment in the industry were made by the trade unions concerned on the 29th February last. These representations were renewed within the past week, and I have already had an interview on the subject with a deputation from the unions and the employers. It has been arranged that a complete statement of the position will be submitted to me and, in the meantime, I have undertaken to consider as a matter of urgency a suggestion for temporary relief made to me at the interview. I expect to be in a position to announce an early decision on this suggestion.
Is it not a fact that the importation of footwear is restricted by quota?
In a limited way, I understand.
In a complete way.
If the Deputy is suggesting that it is so complete that no footwear can be imported——
Except the quota that is fixed from time to time.
——then it depends on where the quota is fixed.
Is the Minister aware that in January, 1948, £182,000 worth of boots and shoes were imported and that 240,000 pairs were permitted to be imported in the same way and, as a result, out of 24 factories ten are on short time or closed at present?
Is the Minister aware that the total importation of footwear permitted under quota is less than 10 per cent. of the footwear sold in the country and is it not a fact that any temporary difficulty is not due to excessive importation but to internal problems?
Is the Minister aware that what Deputy Connolly has advocated is making it more difficult for the workers of this country to get more footwear?
I appreciate Deputy MacEntee's desire to be helpful in this matter, as he is on other matters!