asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the increase in the price of flannelettes, he will recommend to the Minister for Finance that the duty of 40 per cent. at present levied should be abolished.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Flannelettes.
There has, I understand, been a recent increase in the price of flannelette, the increase being due to a substantial advance in the price of cotton. The increase in the price of cotton has, of course, been general and applies not only to our own manufacturers but also to the textile trade in the various other countries concerned. In the circumstances I see no reason to recommend the removal of the duty on flannelette.
Does the Minister not realise that, as a result of the increased cost of flannelette, resulting on the increased cost of cotton, the duty has become an added burden and that where in the past people had to take 10d. value for 1/-, they have now to take 7d. value for 1/-, partly due to the world rise in the price of cotton and partly due to the 40 per cent. tariff? Does the Minister realise that 40 per cent. on a 6d. cloth is substantially less than 40 per cent. on the same cloth when world prices have raised the cost from 6d. to 8d.?
The Deputy is asking for the abolition of the duty.
Yes.
There might be some case for a modification of the duty, but I do not think there is any case for its abolition.
Is the Minister not aware that to secure supplies from any source is extremely difficult and that to require people to go without clothing essential to keep warmth in their bodies because they cannot afford to pay for it is an intolerable hardship?
I have no evidence that they cannot afford to pay for it, nor have I any evidence that the price is excessive.
I am not alleging that the price charged by the Irish manufacturers, considering their small output and the difficulties with which they have to contend, is excessive. I am aware that the price of cotton has gone up. What I am asking the Minister is, in view of that fact, will he not withdraw the duty while the price of cotton is so high as to make the cost of flannelette plus the 40 per cent. tariff almost prohibitive for the poor? I tell the Minister that people are paying 1/- for flannelette which before the war cost only 7d.
There are five firms all of which afford a considerable amount of employment engaged in this industry, and I certainly could not contemplate any action which would put these firms out of business.
Surely the abolition of the tax would not mean that these firms would have to go out of business? One of the firms concerned is the Greenmount Mills, and I am aware that they would gladly cease the manufacture of flannelette as it would enable them to employ their looms in manufacturing other products. They regard flannelette as a real nuisance and the tariff as a real blister on the backs of the people of this country at present.