asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that many articles included in the clothes rationing scheme can be obtained in unlimited quantities, and that goods suitable for the summer season must be stored until next summer if not sold within the next few months.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clothes Rationing.
asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that many men's suits and ladies' costumes were in process of being made to order prior to the introduction of the clothes rationing scheme, and in many instances had been paid for; and if he will consider the desirability of reducing the number of coupons required in such cases.
asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that persons who have ordered clothes before the rationing scheme was in force have now threatened to leave these goods on the suppliers' hands, unless the clothes are delivered coupon free.
asked the Minister for Supplies whether, having regard to the fact that there is available in the country a substantial stock of most classes of drapery goods, he is prepared to consider such modification of the present rationing arrangements as will permit the ordinary citizen to purchase a reasonable proportion of his normal requirements of clothes and apparel during the next six months and will, at the same time, put a stop to the purchase of such goods by or for people residing outside the State.
Mr. Byrne
asked the Minister for Supplies if he has received a request from the employers or employees of the clothing and drapery goods stores demanding a modification or withdrawal of the recent clothes rationing orders; if he has considered the request, and, if so, if he will state whether the amended proposals have been accepted by the parties concerned; and if he will state whether before issuing the recent rationing scheme he had consulted with the employers and employees of the businesses concerned.
I propose to answer together questions Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
The information at my disposal indicates that the total quantities of clothing of all kinds to which the rationing Order applies which will become available during the coming 12 months will not exceed 30 per cent. of normal requirements. I am aware that statements have been made that substantial stocks are held by traders, but, unfortunately, such statements do not appear to be founded on fact. I have had an examination made of the accounts of a number of representative drapery establishments and these accounts disclose that the stocks held by them, on the date of the most recent stocktaking, represent only 25 per cent. to 33 per cent. of turnover during the past year, or approximately three to four months' normal supply. Imports of cotton yarn and piece goods, wool, wool yarns and woollen and worsted cloths during the first four months of the present year were substantially less than one-half of imports during the corresponding period of last year. While during the same period importing establishments were able to import freely quantities of art silk yarns and fabrics, official intimation has been received from the United Kingdom authorities that future supplies of these goods to this country are to be seriously curtailed.
In the light of this information, it is considered necessary to control sales of yarns, cloths and clothing in relation to the supply position to ensure that every citizen will have equal opportunity of procuring a fair proportion of the limited supplies available.
An easement of the rationing arrangements as suggested in questions under reply would bring forward the date on which stocks would become exhausted, and might result in persons, able to purchase in advance of their needs, procuring an undue share, though others, who have to restrict their purchases to their immediate requirements, might not be able to obtain goods even though still in possession of rationing coupons. While opinions may differ as to the facilities which should be given to dispose rapidly of existing stocks—and I have already modified the scheme in response to representations concerning this aspect of the matter—I am of opinion that the arrangements should contemplate a protracted period of scarcity, in the expectation that the emergency is not likely to end in the near future and that, even if it should end, it will be some time thereafter before normal conditions are restored.
It is obvious that the substantial curtailment of supplies to which I have referred will have adverse effects in employment in the clothing manufacturing industries and distributing trades, but no real improvement in this respect could be secured by any modification of the rationing scheme.
With regard to goods on order prior to the introduction of rationing, I have intimated my willingness to consider this matter in relation to the information which may be available as to the quantity of such goods and the known supply position. I am unable to agree that the requirement that coupons should be surrendered for such goods is unreasonable, having regard to the fact that the main purpose of the rationing Order is to ensure that each citizen will have equal right to draw on the stocks available on the date of the coming into operation of the scheme and the very restricted additional supplies which may become available in future. I realise, however, that apart from the equity of the requirement its enforcement without modification may have adverse effects on certain traders and the matter will no doubt be fully considered by the advisory committee which I have arranged to have established.
Mr. Byrne
I should like the Minister to reply to the last two lines in question No. 7—whether, before announcing the recent rationing scheme, he consulted the employers and employees of the businesses concerned and, if he did not consult them, why not?
I did not consult them, and I think it would be entirely contrary to the public interest to consult persons directly interested prior to the introduction of restrictions upon sales.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister not aware that, almost for a week before the scheme was introduced, there was a rush on every drapery establishment in Dublin? In those circumstances, it would appear that the secrecy was not so great as the Minister may think and I suggest it would at least have been as safe if he were to consult, and confide in, those affected, the employers and the employees.
The arrangement I contemplated and effected was to impose control upon sales as a provisional measure, announcing at the same time that I was prepared to consider proposals for the modification of that measure if a case could be made, and inviting representations from the interested parties.
Mr. Byrne
I think that in the future it would be advisable if the Minister consulted the people interested in the affected trades.