asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the Castleblayney boot factory was closed down some weeks ago and is still closed ; that the workers were informed that the factory was closed because the market was flooded with imported footwear; and, if so, whether he will state the extent to which the present condition of this factory is influenced by the importation of footwear; the conditions under which foreign footwear was admitted to this country and the steps which he is prepared to take where employers shut down plant in such circumstances, thus penalising the workers employed in such plant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Castleblayney Boot Factory.
I am advised that the factory to which the Deputy refers has been closed for some weeks but that it is hoped to reopen it for short-time working in the near future. I understand that the factory was closed because of a reduction in orders from distributors. The owners of this factory, and other producers, have stated that the difficulties of the industry were caused by heavy imports of footwear during 1947 and the first six months of 1948. The importation of footwear is regulated by quota under the Control of Imports Acts and footwear can be imported only under licence.
Licences for the importation of 1,250,000 pairs were issued in the year 1947, and the import quota for the period January to June, 1948, which was fixed in November, 1947, was 625,000 pairs. Since then imports have been very substantially restricted by the quotas determined by the present Government in consultation and agreement with the footwear manufacturers and other sections of the trade. The quota for the period July to December. 1948, was 150,000 pairs; for the period January to June, 1949, it is 200,000 pairs. The actual imports in the second half of 1948 were only 105,000 pairs, and in January and February. 1949, 15,500 pairs.
There is no action I can take to restrain employers from closing down manufacturing plants in circumstances such as those to which the Deputy refers.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that the people concerned with the Castleblayney factory have stated that it is the policy of this Government to be hostile to Irish industries?
I cannot prevent them making statements like that, but there is no truth in them.
Would the Minister take the necessary steps to prevent these things occurring?
I am afraid it is beyond my capacity to meet that sort of propaganda.