asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the fact that skins and hides can only be exported under licence at present and the holders of licences to export are not paying a fair price for them, he will have arrangements made to have export licences for skins and hides issued to every applicant for them so that competition may do away with profiteering.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Skins and Hides.
I do not propose to make arrangements to issue licences for the export of sheepskin to every applicant. I have no evidence to show that profiteering has occurred as a result of the restrictions imposed on the export of sheepskin.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, the information I have from all the butchers in my county is that they are robbed wholesale.
I can inform the Deputy that the matter is kept under continuous review and, on the information available to me, I am satisfied that that is not the case.
And you are satisfied with the present prices, are you?
I am satisfied that the prices are at present no higher or lower than they would be if there were no licences.
I agree to differ with you, on my information.