asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a shortage of tailors' threads and sewing cotton still persists in rural areas and whether, in view of the fact that there are always heavy demands on thread at this time of the year, he will arrange for an increase in the supply of these materials to rural areas as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tailors' Threads and Sewing Cotton.
I am aware that because of difficulty in obtaining the necessary cotton yarn, supplies of Irish-made thread are still insufficient to meet the entire demand. On the basis of available yarn supplies, it would not be possible to increase the present rate of distribution of Irish-made thread either to rural areas or generally. Owing to the shortage, the tariff on imported thread is at present suspended, and substantial quantities of thread are being imported by users and distributors.