asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the importation of blankets has increased this year despite the imposition of a tariff; whether, in view of the fact that imported blankets are all of inferior quality, not being all wool, he will take steps to compel the retailers of such goods to have them stamped indicating the quality.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - STAMPING OF BLANKETS.
The imports of blankets for the first nine months of the present year amounted to 30,290 pairs valued at £27,256 as against 28,368 pairs valued at £18,490 in the corresponding nine months of the previous year. The imports in the calendar year preceding the imposition of the tariff on blankets (1924) amounted to 124,748 pairs valued at £101,713.
I have no power to compel retailers of blankets or other goods to mark them with an indication of quality or composition.
Arising out of the Minister's answer, could he not under the Merchandise Marks Act institute some system of marking imported blankets?
It is not possible as legislation at the moment stands.