asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that in certain instances footwear of an inferior quality is being exported; that such footwear differs from the samples shown to purchasers; and that as a result of the inferior quality repeat orders are not forthcoming, to the detriment of the industry generally and particularly of employees in certain boot and shoe factories; whether a standard specification exists for the manufacture of such articles; if any trial samples of exports are examined before export; and if he will take the necessary steps to rectify the unsatisfactory position which obtains.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Quality of Footwear Exports.
8.
I have received no complaints whatever of inferior footwear, differing from samples, having been exported. I am fully satisfied that there is no justification for any such allegation. My information is that the reputation of our boot and shoe manufacturers stands very high in the countries to which their products are exported; and, indeed, the implications of the Deputy's question are wholly inconsistent with the large and growing volume of footwear exports disclosed by recent trade returns.
The Institute for Industrial Research and Standards has not issued a standard specification for shoes, though they have done so for men's heavy boots. It is doubtful whether men's and women's shoes are suitable subjects for standard specifications.