asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a firm of glove manufacturers in Dublin have laid off 30 of their staff due to the import of foreign-made gloves and, if so, whether he will prohibit the import of foreign gloves so as to protect the interests of all those engaged in this industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Glove Industry.
I am not aware that any firm of glove manufacturers in Dublin have laid off staff due to the import of foreign made gloves. From 1942 up to 1946 there was a customs duty on gloves of all kinds of 37½ per cent. ad valorem, with a preferential rate of 25 per cent. In December, 1946, the customs duty was suspended on all gloves except fur gloves. The customs duty on leather and skin gloves was reimposed on 1st October, 1947, and on other gloves on 22nd January, 1948. The customs duty on fur gloves, which was never suspended, was doubled in the Supplementary Budget of 1947. The present position is, therefore, that there is a customs duty of 75 per cent. ad valorem on gloves made wholly or mainly of fur, and 37½ per cent. on gloves made of other materials, with preferential rates of 50 per cent. and 25 per cent., respectively, in favour of gloves imported from Great Britain and Canada. I consider that these rates of protection should be adequate to enable Irish glove manufacturers to compete successfully with imported gloves.
Is the Minister aware that 30 men have been laid off in this factory? Would the Minister state whether he is in a position to give any further protection, other than what he has stated, in order to ensure that these people will be kept in employment?
I am not aware that 30 men have been laid off in this factory. I have not been so informed by the factory, by any of the employees in it, or by the unions concerned.
That is my information.