asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware in connection with the recent measures taken by him to stem the flow of imported footwear and thereby reduce unemployment in the heavy boot trade, particularly in Louth, that it may be several months before a stage of full production is reached because of large stocks of imported footwear still held by distributors; that the attainment of full production depends mainly on the continuance of the present import restrictions during 1949, and, in the circumstances, whether he is prepared to make a statement that the Government will continue to restrict imports of footwear to a minimum in order to protect the employment of the 6,000 operatives engaged in the boot and shoe industry and if he will endeavour to ensure continuity of production in the future by making representations to the distributors from now on to seek their requirements from native producers to a greater extent than heretofore.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Footwear Imports.
I am aware that there are large stocks of heavy footwear in the country, but imports account only in part for these stocks. The main cause is over-production by the home factories, which in 1947 achieved an output about two and a half times greater than normal requirements. In order to assist the heavy footwear manufacturers, it was decided to ban completely the importation of boots, as distinct from shoes, during the quota period from 1st July, to 31st December, 1948. This action will ease to some extent the manufacturers' difficulties, but the problem will not be solved until the industry itself takes steps to achieve a balanced production by reducing the output of heavy footwear in favour of types for which there is a greater demand.
I am most anxious for the welfare of the footwear industry, but I can give no guarantee that during 1949 the import restrictions will be maintained as at present. My attitude to protection for the industry will in future depend on the steps taken by the manufacturers to meet the reasonable demands of the public, not in quantity alone, but also in quality, price and variety.
The quota restrictions at present in force have the effect of compelling distributors to seek the great bulk of their requirements from the home manufacturers.