asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the slowing up of production in the tanneries of Portlaw, Dungarvan and Carrick-on-Suir, due to the availabilty of more hides than can be used in the home manufacture of boots and shoes and the stockpiling of leather, is resulting in short time and unemployment; and, if so, if he will state what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to provide an export market for the stocks of leather in excess of our requirements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Market for Surplus Leather Stocks.
I am aware that there is a slowing-up of production in certain tanneries owing mainly to the temporarily decreased demand for leather by home footwear manufacturers and other users. In view of this position, I have decided that export licences should be freely issued for such leathers as can be sold abroad.