asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it is a fact that basils, or dressed sheep skins, are so extensively used in the manufacture of leather handbags that this material is not now available to the harness trade; and if he will take appropriate action to divert the limited supply of this essential material to that trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Dressed Sheep Skins.
I am not aware that basils or dressed sheep skins are being diverted from the harness trade to the manufacture of leather bags. There was a general decrease in the production of leather from sheep skins in recent months, due to a shortage of pelts, but steps have been taken to regulate pelt exports to ensure adequate supplies for the production of sheep-skin leathers and it is expected that supplies of basils will improve.