I move:
That Seanad Éireann hereby approves of Control of Imports Quota No. 45) (Cotton Piece Goods) (Amendment) Order, 1960.
Control of Imports (Quota No. 45) (Amendment) Order, 1960—Motion of Approval.
This is a motion seeking the approval of the House for a Quota Order. Under Section 4 (2) of the Control of Imports Act of 1934, a Quota Order made requires to be confirmed by each House of the Oireachtas within six months of its being made and similarly in the case of an Order amending an existing Quota Order. The Order in this case was made last month and it is an Order entitled Quota No. 45 (Cotton Piece Goods) (Amendment) Order, 1960. The effect of the Order is to bring within the scope of Quota Order No. 45 towelling of less than 12 inches in width which was previously exempt from Quota Order by exemption governing woven cotton piece goods less than 12 inches in width and having two selvedges, the finished edging of the towelling. The selvedges would ensure that there is no cutting-off in order to by-pass the Quota Order.
An explanatory memorandum has already been circulated to Senators which will explain more fully the object of this Order, but, if I may explain very briefly, the position is that exemptions cover certain types of cotton piece goods which were imported freely and one example is belting for machinery. The object of this is to bring within the ambit of the Quota Order this towelling of 12 inches or less. Hitherto, towelling used in public buildings was about 18 inches in width and about three yards in length and was used off rollers. The modern trend now is to use towelling of a lesser width and to put in lengths of about 50 yards to be unrolled out of a cabinet which makes for better hygienic conditions. The Irish mills are now in a position to make the full supply of such towelling. I commend the Order to the House.
Might I ask the Minister whether this implies a complete embargo, as it were, or is there still the possibility of bringing in a certain quota? Is it, in fact, an embargo?
In effect, it is an embargo but under all quota orders, there is a licensing provision which can be applied where necessary, but the fact that our mills can supply good quality material to meet the full demand means that there would not, unless there is very good reason, be any case for the issue of a licence. The question is hardly likely to arise.
Could the Minister give us any idea of what the difference in price is between what is available now, made in Ireland and what was available previously as an import?
The difference would probably be about 15 per cent. compared with British domestic prices. That difference arises, I think, not so much because of any deficiency in production but because of inability to achieve long-range, large-scale production. A longer run makes for greater economy of production but otherwise the Irish material is as good as that previously imported.
In view of what the Minister says, may we expect a reduction in price when production increases?
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I doubt if this repeated questioning is in order.
I think it should be relevant——
I have gone as far as I can go.
With respect. Sir, we are being asked to approve of an Order to stop altogether the import of a certain type of goods. Surely I am entitled to suggest that it is relevant to know what is going to be the effect of the Order?
Surely this is the good, socialist control the Senator was advocating earlier today.
I suggest that to say it is not relevant to ask what would be the result of passing this Order is not quite fair. If it becomes apparent, for instance, that this would mean an enormous increase in the price to the consumer——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I think the Senator should have prepared his approach to the matter so as to do all the questioning at the one time. Continuous repetition of questions, I think, is not in order.
With respect, my first question was whether it was a complete embargo. My second was about price. I do not think it was continuous repetition.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
The explanatory memorandum which has been issued states that it is a complete embargo.
I have got from the Minister the fact that it would be possible, as I anticipated, to import still under licence, although, as you say, it is a complete embargo, and that is a valuable piece of knowledge. It might have an effect upon price in future.
I should like to disabuse the Senator of the idea that there is any truth in his suggestion that there will be a considerable increase in price. That will not be the case.
Question put and agreed to.
The Seanad adjourned at 1.20 p.m.sine die.