asked the Taoiseach if he will state, in respect of the year 1950 (a) the total quantity of hides imported; (b) the quantity imported from the Argentine; (c) the price of the Argentine hides, and (d) the controlled price of Irish hides.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hide Imports.
(a) In the year 1950, the total imports of hides consisted of 58,708 cwt. of cattle hides and skins and 1,575 cwt. of other hides and skins; the figures in both cases include wet hides, dry and salted hides and skins, undressed; (b) in the same period, the imports of hides from Argentina consisted of 21,489 cwt. of cattle hides and 295 cwt. of other hides and skins; (c) the average prices, c.i.f., of the Argentine hides were £11 0s. 1d. per cwt. or 2/- per lb., for cattle hides and skins, and £6 13s. 6d. per cwt. or 1/2 per lb. for other hides and skins; (d) the price of native hides is not controlled by Order. Control is, however, exercised by way of agreement between the Minister for Industry and Commerce and Irish tanners. There are a number of grades of home-produced hides, the top grade being first clear ox, heifer and cow. The price of this grade from January to September, 1950, was 8d. per lb.; since then it has been 10d. per lb.
I congratulate the Parliamentary Secretary on being able to answer that question audibly.
The Deputy's congratulations are very much appreciated.
Hear, hear!