I move the motion which stands in the name of Senator Quirke:—
That Seanad Éireann hereby approves of the Control of Imports (Quote No. 13) (Artificial Silk Piece Goods Amendment) (No. 2) Order, 1953.
Control of Imports (Quota No. 13) Order—Motion.
The quota Order applying to artificial silk piece goods brought subject to control the importation of fabrics containing more than 85 per cent. by weight of artificial silk staple fibre. It was found, however, that that was not effective and the amendment Order brought subject to the quota fabric containing more than 40 per cent. of artificial silk fibre, with certain exceptions representing classes of goods which are not at present being made here.
So long as we maintain protection by way of quota upon woollen and worsted fabrics, it is necessary to keep control over the importation of these imitation fabrics as well. These spun rayon cloths have been imported in a form which closely resembles woollen and worsted suitings. While it is possibly desirable to permit some importation of these goods, it is necessary to keep it under regulation if the position in the woollen and worsted industry in this country is to be preserved.
Are we manufacturing spun rayon cloths?
I have mentioned imitation woollen and worsted fabrics. This Order was imposed because the importation of these spun rayon cloths which were manufactured to resemble woollen and worsted suitings was threatening to interfere seriously with the business of our native woollen and worsted mills. Our original attempt was designed to limit the importation of these goods only when they contained a high proportion of artificial silk fabric but we had to reduce the proportion of artificial silk fabric to make it effective.
We are not discouraging the production in any way of these imported fabrics in this country but I think that this Order is necessary to prevent the importation of these fabrics to the detriment of our native industries. These imported fabrics are inferior products.
I would not agree that they are all inferior products. Some of them are quite good and I hope that some of the better cloths will be made here.
They may be.
This particular fabric replaces what we call "shoddy".
No.
To a certain extent, it is. From the trade point of view, they are using it to replace the shoddy. This Order merely protects the worsted manufacturers more than the woollen manufacturers. This cloth is for the manufacture of men's cheap clothing. It is quite a reasonably good cloth. However, I do not think it is the sort of fabric that is suitable for the climate of this country. Unless a mill is established here for the production of a similar type of cloth, or a substitute cloth, this Order may affect lower priced goods.
I think we could contemplate the production of these cloths here. The cloth in question may not be, I agree, suitable for our climate. The public may be misled by the attractive appearance of the cloth without appreciating that a shower of rain could change it.
There are high-class spun fabrics which are suitable for ladies' wear and which are in no sense inferior in quality. I think that eventually they will be produced here.
I was not thinking so much of ladies' wear in this connection as of men's. I understand that this particular importation was mainly affecting men's wear. Attractive ready-made suits were made up cheaply in this fabric. I agree that, taking the long view, it was an uneconomic production because it would not give enduring satisfaction. However, certain people here are affected— people who cannot afford to pay a high price for a better type of article. Until the new factory is started here would the Minister consider the matter of a quota licence?
It is now open to anybody to produce that fabric in this country.
I am very interested.
Question put and agreed to.