asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has any record of the number of industries now working on short time; and, if so, the main causes giving rise to this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industries on Short Time.
12.
For the purpose of the administration of the schemes of unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance, my Department receives from local offices monthly returns regarding firms whose workers have been either suspended or placed on systematic short-time by reason of shortage of supplies or similar causes. The latest returns which have been summarised are those for 22nd January, 1971, when the total number of firms reported upon was 17, of which 15 were operating systems of short-time working.
The main causes given for inability to maintain normal activities were trade recession, shortage of orders, over-production and shortage of materials.