andMr. Kyne asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a quantity of pure kraft paper is being imported from the USA thereby depriving Irish workmen of employment that would be given here if a duty free licence had been refused; and whether he will have the matter reconsidered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports of Kraft Paper.
119.
The pure kraft paper that has been imported under licence from the USA is of a type that is not manufactured here. It is being imported by manufacturers for use in a further process of manufacture and its importation results in the giving of extra employment here.
Is the Minister not aware that this so-called kraft paper is being imported as waste? Is it not a fact that up to last year the same type of paper was actually manufactured in the National Board and Paper Mills? Is it not a fact that it is now coming in under a duty-free licence as waste, although this importation has caused a substantial loss of employment here.
They tried to produce it and found it would not be economic. It is an automated process which takes a lot of machinery. It was not economic to produce it here. If we did not import it, they would not be able to make cartons and there would have been unemployment in that industry.
Is the Minister not aware that this is coming from the parent body in Florida and is it not natural to expect, if they can get a duty-free licence, that the surplus production in Florida will flood the Irish market? I am assured by the people who work in this industry that it can be produced in the National Board and Paper Mills.
I know they did it, but it was not economic to do so. Automated machinery is required for it.
Would the Minister not agree to have a conference called about this matter?
If the Deputy could give me any firmer knowledge than that of the workers, I would do so.
Would the Minister not agree to have a conference with the trade union representatives, the workers and the management with regard to this matter?
I shall inquire into it again. I cannot say what way I will do it.
There is less employment in the industry now.
It is an automated process.
Question 120.
If we have not machinery surely we should get it?
It will not give any more employment. It is an automated process.
120.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give details of the imports of kraft paper, if any, during the first nine months of (a) 1963 (b) 1964 and (c) 1965; and if he will give the number of import licences, if any, issued for such paper imports.
I am informed that the quantity and value of imports of kraft paper during the periods mentioned by the Deputy were: 1963, 72,038 cwts. valued £239,714; 1964, 65,381 cwts. valued £186,287 and 1965, to the end of August, 51,475 cwts. valued £164,965.
Separate records are not kept in my Department of the number of import licences issued in respect of particular commodities. It is not possible, therefore, to supply the information sought in relation to the number of licences issued for kraft paper. I can say, however, that licences are granted only in respect of kraft of a type not manufactured by the home paper mills.
Does the Minister not agree that this type of duty-free licence importation is what is causing the present adverse trade balance? If it is suggested by the workers that it can be done, surely it is the duty of the Minister to see they get an opportunity of doing it? I suggest the Minister would be well advised to agree to the conference I propose and if the Minister cannot give me that assurance, then I must ask the right to raise this on the Adjournment next Wednesday.
I take seriously the Deputy's suggestion that there is another side to this story. I shall deal with this but I would rather be left alone in regard to the way I deal with it.
Will the Minister communicate with me before next Wednesday.
I shall.