asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is the intention to declare artificial silk knitted fabric a reserved commodity under the Control of Manufactures Act, 1934; and, if so, if the interests of Irish manufacturers at present making artificial silk knitted fabric for incorporation in their own wares will be safeguarded, and if he will see that no manufacturer is given a monopoly to the detriment of the existing firms, and if he can state how far the negotiations have advanced in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Manufactures Act.
On 14th May, 1935, a notice was published in Iris Oífigíuíl to the effect that the Executive Council intended to make an Order under Section 17 of the Control of Manufactures Act, 1934, declaring knitted fabric made wholly or mainly of artificial silk to be a reserved commodity. The notice contained the provision that any person objecting to the making of the proposed Order might, within 30 days after the 14th May, 1935, send in writing to the Secretary of the Executive Council a statement of his objection, and of the specific grounds on which it was based.
The Act requires that the Executive Council shall not make such Order until the expiration of the time limited for making objections, and until they have considered such objections (if any) to the making of such Order as may have been made within the time limited for making objections.
No definite arrangement has yet been made for the granting of a reserved commodity manufacture licence in respect of the commodity in question. Before any such licence is granted, any representations made within the specified time will be fully considered.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, he is aware, of course, that there are firms in the Saorstát making artificial silk knitted fabric for their own consumption.
He is not aware.
The Deputy who asked the question said that he was aware.
That is one of the matters on which, possibly, representations will be made, and concerning which differences of opinion may exist.