asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that, while a large number of our boot and shoe factories are working only three days a week, the market is being swamped with cheap imported shoes, and, if so, if he will take the steps necessary to terminate this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Shoes.
The total production of footwear of all kinds by Irish factories is of the order of 6,500,000 pairs per year. Imports of footwear are subject to quota control and total imports in 1954 of footwear, including types of boots and shoes not made here, amounted to 60,060 pairs. It is clear from these figures that short time working in footwear factories is not caused by imports.