asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a report of a statement that there might be a further scarcity of drapery goods and higher prices before the drapery trade could return to normal conditions; if this information accurately represents the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Drapery Goods.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.
While it is difficult to forecast the future supply position, which depends to a large extent on factors outside our control, I have no reason to think that the improvement in supplies of textiles which has taken place over the past 12 months will not be maintained. There are grounds for assuming a substantial improvement in regard to woollen and worsted materials before the end of the present year. The position regarding rayon piece goods is similar, but there are less favourable prospects in regard to cotton goods although some improvement in the present position may be expected.
As regards prices, I refer the Deputy to a reply given to a question on the 1st instant. I said then that while some lowering of manufacturing costs in this country is to be assumed, as increased supplies of materials become available, there can be no substantial change in clothing prices unless and until the cost of imported materials falls. I do not anticipate, however, that the cost of imported materials will increase.