asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps he proposes to take to limit import licences in respect of furnishing fabrics and bedspreads to protect employment in the textile industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Furnishing Fabrics and Bedspreads.
2.
: The problems affecting the home producers of woven furnishing fabrics and bedspreads which are in competition with similar imported goods are under consideration. In the very near future, a meeting will be held with the interests concerned with a view to reaching an agreed solution.
Would the Minister agree that it was clear for a considerable time that these industries were in jeopardy; that the Minister for Industry and Commerce showed a lack of concern in this regard and he did not take action until he was pressed by members on this side of the House to do so?
I would not agree. There were three mills in question and now only one is operating in this very specialised sector of the textile industry. Some of the distributive trades approached the Department with a view to being allowed import goods but this was objected to by the mill in question. It is intended to have discussions in the near future in an effort to resolve the position.
Would the Minister agree that the textile industry generally is in a serious position and that there are many unemployed and on short time in the industry? The Minister for Industry and Commerce knew of this difficulty for a considerable time but he did nothing. It is only now when there are many people unemployed and on short time that he is taking action. As far as I can see, he would not have taken any action if Members on this side of the House had not pressed him to do so.
The Minister, replying to questions in relation to this matter last week, fully explained his position. The question today relates to a specific sector of the textile industry and not the textile industry in general.
This matter was raised by us some months ago.
The Minister has been active for a number of months trying to steer a course in an effort not to affect our exports and to protect our home industries.
Has the Minister indicated that there is only one factory here manufacturing furnishing fabrics?
No, I was talking about a specific type of furnishing fabric which is only manufactured by one concern.
The question relates to furnishing fabrics and bedspreads but is the Minister telling the House that there is only one factory manufacturing them?
So my information tells me.
The Minister would want to check out his information before making a statement of that kind.