andMr. Little asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the shortage of pickled pelts for the leather factories in Dungarvan and elsewhere; if he will state whether it is true that a consignment of pelts was exported under licence and who was the last person to receive an export licence and for what quantity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Pickled Pelts.
I am aware that the supply position in regard to sheep pelts has given rise to difficulties in the tanneries handling such pelts. The whole question of the economic utilisation of native sheep pelts is at present under examination by the Industrial Development Authority and discussions with the interested parties are being arranged.
Pending the outcome of such examination and as an interim measure designed to preserve employment in two sheepskin tanneries which were in danger of shutting down, licences were granted on the 12th March, 1951, for the export of 17,500 dozen heavy sheep pelts which had accumulated and were unsuitable for conversion into lining leathers. It is not the practice to furnish particulars of individual licensees.