asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a large number of the members of the National Furniture Trades Operatives (Cork Branch) are now idle and have been for some time, due to the importation of foreign-made furniture, and that it is feared that this number will be increased in the near future; and, if so, whether he will consider making an Order prohibiting the importation of foreign-made furniture so as to ensure that operatives of the furniture trades will be kept in employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Furniture Imports.
I am not aware that there has been any recent increase in unemployment in the furniture trade in Cork. If there is unemployment amongst members of the National Furniture Trades Operatives (Cork Branch) it cannot, I suggest, be due to the importation of furniture, the imports of which in 1948 represented something less than 8 per cent. of the total home market. The present tariff of 75 per cent. (50 per cent. preference) has, therefore, proved effective and I do not consider it necessary to contemplate measures for prohibiting importation.