asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) the prices paid for sheep pelts by home buyers in each of the years 1943 to 1949, inclusive, and (b) the world price for pelts during the same period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices of Sheep Pelts.
By arrangement with the Irish Tanners' Federation the prices paid by members of the federation for native pelts in the years 1943 to 1949 ranged from 18/- to 35/- per dozen for supers, firsts and seconds, and from 16/- to 30/- per dozen for thirds, according to quality. It is possible that other buyers may be paying prices other than those quoted. It is not possible to give the particulars requested by the Deputy regarding comparable world prices from 1943 onwards, as distribution and price controls operated in most countries during the war period and for some years after.
Can the Minister say what is the world price of pelts at the moment?
I have explained to the Deputy it is not possible to give these particulars and the reason why it is not possible.
May I ask the Minister is he not aware that because pelts are worth five times as much across the water a number of them are being smuggled out of the country?
I doubt if either of the Deputy's suggestions is correct.