asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has power to ensure that the products of Irish boot and shoe manufacturers conform to certain specific minimum standards; and, if not, if he will take steps to lay down such standards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minimum Standards for Boots and Shoes.
24.
There are no powers under which manufacturers of footwear can be required to conform to a minimum standard specification.
While the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards have declared a standard specification for men's heavy boots, they have not declared standard specifications for boots and shoes generally. It is doubtful whether men's and women's shoes would be suitable subjects for standard specifications. Standard specifications prepared by the Institute are, of course, not obligatory on manufacturers although it is desirable that manufacturers should adopt them, wherever possible.